I don't mess with making my own hash browns. Too messy, too much work and too much grease. If you're lucky enough to live in the south, a short trip to any Waffle House (gotta be one near you) for some scattered, covered and ********* will do the trick every time. You can also get 'em plain if you want (or chunked, diced, peppered, topped or capped as well....I prefer scattered and *********....they get nice and crisp!).