Instructions: (I specify Earth Balance because it is the only margarine that I know of that does not contain chemicals, trans-fats or hydrogenated oils; this is a vegan product. You can also use 2 tablespoons of either the olive oil or the margarine instead of using one of each.)

To make:
You will need a lightly oiled 9-10 inch pie plate.

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Boil the potatoes until soft.

3. While the potatoes are cooking, saute the onions in water until soft.

4. Drain the potatoes (if you reserve the cooking water, you can use it for making bread dough or vegetable broth) and put them in a large bowl with the onions, salt and oil or margarine. Mash well, adding some of the cooking water for consistency, if necessary.

5. With about 1/2 to 3/4 of the mixture, create a crust and edge in the pie pan with your fingers and/or a spatula. If there is excess, put it back with the rest of the potatoes for a top crust, if there is too little, add more as necessary.

6. Cook the crust for about 45 minutes. About 30 minutes into the baking, brush or spray a light coat of canola or olive oil on the crust.

7. Add desired filling, spread remaining potatoes over the top and cook according to filling instructions.

NOTES : This is delicious and easy alternative if you dont have the time or the patience to make a pastry crust.

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