Website design By BotEap.comBaked potatoes have been a popular side dish for many years. In addition to being baked, the versatile potato can be boiled, simmered in a crock pot, or deep-fried. But baking is still one of the most popular ways to cook a potato.

Website design By BotEap.comThe potatoes are baked in a conventional oven or microwave. They can also be baked in foil on a barbecue grill.

Website design By BotEap.comChoose your baking potatoes wisely. They should be firm and have no wrinkles or stems growing in the eyes. Select medium-size potatoes; all potatoes should be (almost) the same size and shape.

Website design By BotEap.comTo bake in a conventional oven:

Website design By BotEap.com1. Preheat your oven to 450 ° F.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Rub all the dirt off the potatoes and pat dry.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Poke holes in each potato to allow steam to escape.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Rub potatoes with oil before baking. This will keep the moisture in the potato and will make the skin a little crisp. Some people may want to eliminate this step.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Website design By BotEap.comTo bake in a microwave oven:

Website design By BotEap.com1. Wash the potatoes and dry them well.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Poke holes in potatoes to allow steam to prevent them from exploding in the microwave.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many potatoes are put in the oven.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Potatoes should be allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking.

Website design By BotEap.comTo serve a baked potato:

Website design By BotEap.com1. Cut each potato in half.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Squeeze each half from both ends to loosen the potato from the skin.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Top your complete masterpiece with your favorite dressing: butter, broccoli and cheese, bacon or sour cream are delicious toppings.

Website design By BotEap.comHere is a recipe for a fancier main dish that is suitable for company.

Website design By BotEap.comTuna Stuffed Potatoes

Website design By BotEap.com(For 4 people)

Website design By BotEap.comIngredients:

Website design By BotEap.com4 hot baked potatoes

Website design By BotEap.com1/2 cup of hot milk

Website design By BotEap.com2 green onions, chopped

Website design By BotEap.com1 egg

Website design By BotEap.com2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Website design By BotEap.com1 teaspoon salt

Website design By BotEap.comPinch of cayenne pepper

Website design By BotEap.com1 medium tomato, diced

Website design By BotEap.com1 can (7 1/2 oz) tuna, drained

Website design By BotEap.com2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Website design By BotEap.comParsley for garnish

Website design By BotEap.comInstructions:

Website design By BotEap.com1. Cut a thin slice from one flat side of each potato. Scoop the interior into a bowl. Blend, adding the hot milk; beat until fluffy.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Add green onions, egg, and butter, beating well. Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomato and tuna.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Re-stack this mixture on the skin, heaping it high (the shells will pile up about 3 inches higher).

Website design By BotEap.com4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Website design By BotEap.com5. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 ° F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Website design By BotEap.comHere are some more tips to help you:

Website design By BotEap.com* Use a muffin pan to hold the potatoes upright and bake evenly.

Website design By BotEap.com* You can cut the baking time in half by skewering it with a “potato clove”.

Website design By BotEap.com* Cook more for the hash browns for breakfast tomorrow.

Website design By BotEap.comAs you can see, baked potatoes don’t have to be plain and boring. Use interesting toppings for “twice” baked potatoes or use unexpected toppings to keep this side from getting boring.