Wash potatoes and peel if desired. Place the whole potatoes into a microwave-safe dish. Cover dish (if covering the dish with plastic wrap, poke a small hole in the plastic).

Place potatoes in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes or until the potatoes are done. Using oven mitts, carefully remove dish from microwave. NOTE: Due to steam building up, use oven mitts or tongs to remove plastic wrap from the dish.

Place the cooked potatoes into a large bowl. Use a potato masher or potato ricer to mash potatoes until there are no lumps. Do not use your electric mixer.

Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Use your potato masher to continue mashing potatoes until you reach the desired consistency. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.