peel, quarter and slice the potatoes up

in med saucepan, add potatoes and just barely enough water to cover the potatoes, bring to a boil, cooking over med-high heat until potatoes are tender(when a fork slides right in, your ready)should take 12-17mins

if using a sm onion, while potatoes are cooking, chop up onion very finely, in a sm sautee pan melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add onion, sautee until onion is translucent in color, remove from heat, set aside

drain about half of the water, put back on burner, on low heat, (do not let boil anymore) add the half&half, onions or onion powder, 2 tablespoons butter, and pepper, enjoy!