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THE PERFECT BAKED POTATO
INGREDIENTS:
1 Russet potato per serving about 8 to 10 ounces each
Olive oil or oil of your choice
Sea or Kosher Salt
Butter (optional)
Fresh ground black Tellicherry or Malabar peppercorns (optional)
Select Russet potatoes that have a nice even brown tone to the skin without
a greenish cast. Inspect potatoes to make sure there aren't any
significant bruises, sprouts or discolored spots. Choose potatoes that
are uniform in shape and size for even cooking. Rinse and scrub potatoes
using a stiff bristled brush under cold running water. Dry off
potatoes and using a fork, piece potato deeply several times on each side
about 1 inch apart. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking
process. Rub each potato with oil of your choice and sprinkle sea or
Kosher salt onto potato and place on the center rack of preheated 350 degree
oven and bake for 90 minutes or until done. Turn the potatoes over
halfway through the baking time to prevent browning of the undersides where
they touch the oven rack. Potatoes are done if tender when pierced
with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 210 degrees F. You
can also test for doneness by gently squeezing the middle of the potato
(using a pot holder). If it gives in easily to your touch, it is done.
When baked to perfection, remove potatoes from the oven. Slit across
the top with a sharp knife and gently pinch (squeeze) in each end of the
potato towards the middle using your thumb and index finger. The
potato will pop open and will have a white fluffy interior and a crunchy,
brown, well caramelized skin. Serve with a pat of butter, sprinkling
of sea or Kosher salt and a heavy grind of fresh ground black peppercorns.
Do not be temped to wrap each potato in aluminum foil since this will steam
cook the potato instead of baking it.
NOTE: If you are baking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to
extend the baking time by 15 minutes or more. Also, if you want to
super charge the perfect baked potato and make a loaded perfect baked
potato, go for it! Add what ever condiments you desire such as fresh
grated extra sharp cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice, fried crisp
bacon pieces, sour cream, butter, fresh chopped chives, etc.
Bill aka Mickey Porter 03-29-09 |
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