🥣 Homemade Instant Mashed Potatoes (Dehydrated)

🔪 Step 1: Prep & Cook

1. Peel and chop potatoes into chunks.

2. Boil until very soft (mashable), about 15–20 minutes.

3. Drain well and mash or blend until smooth.

   • Optional: Add a small amount of salt or butter after cooking, but don’t overdo fat—it can go rancid.

💡 The smoother the mash, the smoother your powder.

🌬️ Step 2: Dehydrate

1. Spread mashed potatoes thinly (¼ inch) on parchment-lined trays or silicone mats.

2. Temp: 125–135°F (52–57°C)

3. Time: 8–12 hours

4. Flip or break apart partway through to ensure even drying.

⚙️ Step 3: Powder

• Break up the dried sheets.

• Use a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder to make a fine powder.

🧂 Storage:

• Store in airtight container, preferably vacuum sealed or with a desiccant pack.

• Shelf life: 1–2 years

💧 To Make Instant Mashed Potatoes:

• Mix 1 cup boiling water with ⅓ cup mashed potato powder

• Stir and let sit 1–2 minutes.

• Add milk, butter, or seasoning to taste

Awesome! Here's how to dehydrate shredded potatoes for hash browns and how to make your own instant mashed potatoes from scratch:

🥔 Dehydrated Shredded Potatoes (for Hash Browns)

🔪 Step 1: Prep

1. Peel potatoes (optional but recommended for smoother texture).

2. Shred with a cheese grater or food processor.

3. Soak shreds in cold water with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. Rinse thoroughly, then parboil:

   • Drop shredded potatoes into boiling water for 2–3 minutes.

   • Drain and immediately rinse with cold water.

5. Squeeze out moisture using a towel or cheesecloth.

🔥 Step 2: Dehydrate

• Temp: 125–135°F (52–57°C)

• Time: 6–12 hours depending on shred size and humidity

• Dry until completely crisp and brittle

• Stir or break apart halfway through to help even drying

🧂 Storage:

• Airtight jar, mylar bag, or vacuum seal

• Store up to 12–18 months in a cool dark place

💧 Rehydrate:

• Soak in hot water for 10–15 minutes

• Drain and fry like fresh hash browns

Dehydrating boiled, cut-up potatoes is a great way to preserve them for soups, camping, or shelf-stable storage. Here’s a full guide:

🥔 How to Dehydrate Boiled Potatoes (Cubed or Sliced)

✅ Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Peel (optional – skin can get tough, but fine for rustic texture)

2. Cut into:

   • Cubes (~½ inch for fast drying)

   • Or slices (~¼ inch thick)

3. Boil or steam until just fork-tender (not mushy). About 5–8 minutes depending on cut.

4. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

5. Pat dry thoroughly with a towel.

🔥 Step 2: Dehydrate

🔧 Dehydrator Settings:

• Temp: 125–135°F (52–57°C)

• Time:

  • Cubes: 8–12 hours

  • Slices: 6–10 hours

  • Check at the 6-hour mark and every couple hours after

💡 Tip: Dry in a single layer, not overlapping.

🔍 Step 3: Check for Doneness

They’re done when:

• Dry, hard, and brittle

• No cool spots or moisture when cooled

• Not rubbery or soft

🧂 Storage

• Let cool fully before storing.

• Store in airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.

• Keep in a cool, dark place.

• Shelf life: 6 months to 1+ year if well dried and sealed.

💧 Rehydration Tips:

• Soak in hot water for 15–30 minutes

• Use directly in soups/stews (they’ll rehydrate during cooking)

• Great for making mashed potatoes or hash browns

SmartDrive systems (now part of Solera) are designed to monitor driving behavior, typically using both road-facing and driver-facing cameras. The functionality you're referring to—entering a code like 99999 to disable the driver-facing camera—is a feature controlled by your employer or fleet manager, and its behavior depends on how your company configured the system.

Here's what’s generally known:

• Entering 99999 (or a similar code) may temporarily disable the driver-facing camera, such as when you're using the vehicle for personal time or off-duty use (e.g., during a break).

• Duration: In most configurations, this camera shutoff is temporary—often for a set time like 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or until vehicle movement—but this can vary.

• In some setups, the camera turns back on automatically after that time expires or when the vehicle moves again.

• Reactivation: In some cases, you'll need to re-enter the code (like 99999) to turn the camera back on manually, but usually the system restores itself automatically after the timer runs out or the trip ends.

Important Notes:

• Not all SmartDrive systems support driver-facing camera disablement, and using such a feature without proper authorization might violate company policy.

• If the video you saw isn’t official or your fleet doesn't use that exact setup, the behavior could differ.

• Always check with your fleet manager or your company's SmartDrive administrator to get the exact details on how it works in your vehicle. There may also be privacy protocols they follow that you're entitled to know.