How many pounds of mashed potatoes to feed 17 people?

It's hard to give you an exact number without knowing how much each person will eat! Here's how to figure it out:

1. Estimate Portion Size:

* Light eater: 1/2 cup per person

* Average eater: 3/4 cup per person

* Heavy eater: 1 cup per person

2. Calculate Total Potatoes Needed:

* Multiply the number of people by the portion size you chose.

Example:

* If you're feeding 17 people and think they'll eat an average amount: 17 people * 3/4 cup/person = 12.75 cups of mashed potatoes.

3. Convert Cups to Pounds:

* There are approximately 2 cups of mashed potatoes per pound.

Example:

* 12.75 cups / 2 cups/pound = 6.375 pounds of mashed potatoes

Additional Tips:

* Consider leftovers: Make a little extra, especially if you want leftovers for lunch the next day.

* Adjust for side dishes: If you're serving other starchy side dishes, you might need less mashed potatoes.

Remember: This is just an estimate. It's always better to have a little extra than not enough!