Twice Baked Potatoes..... so Delicious

When it comes to potatoes....I am neutral. (Does that sound right???) What I am trying to say is that I neither absolutely and positively love them and have to eat them like I do with pasta..... (or cheesecake) nor do I say "No, Thanks". These twice baked potatoes are potatoes that I would probably never say "No. Thanks" to. Yummy. Of course for since you have noticed.... every good recipe must have a stick of butter (just kidding) but this one does.... along with some bacon and cheese. Yum! Yum! Yum! (And... Anya if you are reading this, I know you are thinking that I am trying to kill your husband, :) but you could always omit the butter and cheese and bacon... of course than you might as well just have a salad. I promise someday, I will post something healthy. That day is not today and tomorrow doesn't look good either. For the rest of you... make them and serve them to your special person and they will love you forever. :)

Twice Baked Potatoes

Adapted from PW, Ree Drummond

You will need: (Sorry no pic)

* 4 Large Russet Potatoes

*1 stick butter

*1/2 cup bacon bits (make your own or use store bought)

*1/2 cup sour cream

*1/2 cup grated "orange" cheese (Cheddar, Jack, etc.) (Plus a little more for sprinkling)

*1 scallion (green onion), chopped

*Salt and Pepper to Taste (I use Lawry's seasoned salt)

1. Rinse and dry your potatoes with a paper towel.

2. Lay them on a baking sheet as is.... no oil or anything and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 400F.

3. In the meantime, cut a stick of butter into squares and add it into a medium mixing bowl.
4. Now add in 1/2 cup bacon bits to the butter...
This is what I used.... these work just fine for this recipe....
5. To that same mixing bowl add in 1/2 cup sour cream.... and set all this aside until your potatoes are done....

6. Now when these puppies are done.... they should be fork tender. We need to scrape out the inside of the potato leaving the skin whole.... so try to do this as careful as possible. They are also hot so grab a hand towel and make a cradle with it in your palm and then with the other hand slice the potato in half lenghtwise.

At this point.. also decrease your oven temp to 350F.

7. Now... with a tablespoon carefully scoop put the insides right into that same bowl with the other ingredients.


Keep doing this until all the potato insides are out and you have beautiful potato skins all ready to be stuffed....
8. Go take out your masher.... I will be here waiting for you.....

You back? Ok.... mash all that together.... MMmmmm...
9. Now we need to season the potatoes. Why? Because they like to be seasoned! :) I use Lawry's Seasoned Salt.... and love it. You can use the regular white stuff...
.... and add some fresh ground black pepper.....
10. Now, add about 1/2 cup of your shredded "orange" cheese.... and mash it all around.
12. Finally, add in the chopped scallions.

13. Lick off the masher b.c. it is just so darn good.

14. Back to these babies.... fill them with that mix we just made. Fill them plentifully.
15..... and of course sprinkle some more cheese on top. It's the right thing to do.... :)
17. Stick these back in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts at 350F.

And... like I always say, Enjoy! You only live once!!!