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 smothered 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 smothered....they get nice and crisp!).