Follow the instructions. Add the boiling water, stir, and let it sit. Delicious, with good texture. Peace of mind shelf life. Great for on the go, camping, hiking, etc. For those with sodium restrictions, check the content to see if it's a little high for you, but c'mon, given preference nearly everyone salts their potatoes, so it's no surprise there's some in here. Plan the rest of the meal accordingly and it's very versatile (make a casserole or whatever with non-salted items and the overall content should be good even for those with restrictions).