The first time I tried to make mashed potatoes, I didn't know you had to cut the potatoes in pieces. Whole potatoes take a long time to boil. I'm a much better cook now.
The year: 1973. Homemaking 101. Recipe said: Grease and flour bottom and sides of cake pan. It did not specify the INSIDE of pan. True story.
You have to cut up spuds before you boil them?
Oh! New one on me! *LOL*