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Friday, May 7, 2010

Oven Baked Potatoes

Some say wrapping baked potatoes in aluminum foil helps them cook faster (aluminum conducts heat, then traps it), and it does keep them hot longer once they come out of the oven, which is why restaurants use this method. Wrapping potatoes will also give you a softer, steamed skin, if that's what you like.

If you prefer the potato skin crispy and seasoned, rub the potatoes with olive oil and coat them with kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper before roasting them on a baking sheet (turning once or twice). They don't take a noticeably longer time to cook, and the oil keeps the skin from getting too dry and papery, and it adds flavor that makes eating the skin even more tasty. 

For a very crispy skin, skip the olive oil and run warm water over the potatoes and quickly sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake as usual. Be sure to pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife several time before baking to keep the potatoes from spliting.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes and add your favorite toppings..

Tasty Toppings for Your Potatoes

Other than the stand-by sour cream, grated cheese and butter, what can be added to a baked potato to make it a nutritious meal? Try these suggestions:

Chili Topping. You can use a can of prepared chili or make your own for this topper. If you want to make your own, brown lean ground beef with onions, mix in tomatoes, chili beans and some chili powder and let simmer while the potato is baking. Once the potato is ready, split it open and top it with the chili and slivers of cheese.

Taco Topping. Once again you will need to brown some ground beef, onion and add a package of taco seasoning. Once ready, top your potato with the beef mixture and add a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese.

Cheddar Bacon Topping. Mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon. This is a more traditional topping that is sure to please any diner.

Tuna Topped Potato. Slice four baked potatoes in half and scoop the pulp out of each side. Mix this in a bowl with about 1 cup of mayonnaise, a 6-ounce can of tuna, drained and rinsed, and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, grated. Place the mixture back into the potato shells and bake for about 10 minutes.

Greek Topping. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to perk up your potato try this topper. Mix together some feta cheese, a dash of olive oil, sunflower seeds, and some kalamata or black olives and add it to your baked potato.

Also try:
Different flavors of salsa and add some black beans

Steamed broccoli and cheese, add a dash of Sriracha Sauce (in the oriental section) for an extra spicy taste

Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and blue cheese

Plain yogurt, minced tarragon, thyme and marjoram

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