So who do you know that doesn’t like baked potatoes, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese? And when you put them in combination, well there just ain’t nothing finer. And yes I know twice baked potatoes are full of calories. But remember, not everyone thinks about calories and nutrition all the time. For example: ask any 6 year old to name his or her favorite restaurant. I’m willing to bet you a 10 lb. bag of Yukon Golds that there is a clown, golden arches and a PlayPlace somewhere on the premises! Children don’t think about what they are eating, and once in a while, we should let our inner child come out and not worry either. Life is short! And I know it can be shortened by eating the wrong food. But once in awhile and especially when it’s a holiday get-together, take a break from counting calories and measuring fat content. After all, chances are you’ve stayed up half the night dying eggs, and putting together Easter baskets. Then early Easter morning you get to hide eggs in your house or yard, prepare a feast for your family and friends, and supervise the whole search and rescue Easter egg mission. I do believe you deserve a treat, and twice baked potatoes are definitely a treat!
I will be thinking of you on Easter as I enjoy the day with 3 of the people I love most in this world, my husband and our dear friends Jim and Margo. And since the 4 of us will not be spending the day with any grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews, etc., there will be nary an Easter egg in site, chocolate or otherwise. I’m really OK with that! Oh, one little piece of advice for those of you hosting Easter egg hunts. Count the dyed eggs before you hide them, especially if they are going to be hidden in your home. Also count the “found” eggs and make sure the number is the same. This is not difficult to do. 21 eggs hidden, 21 eggs found. But if the score is 21 to 20, I’d advise you to go into full blown search mode. Get the other adults involved too. For the children offer a small chocolate reward to whoever finds the last egg. For the adults, a larger chocolate reward, like a pound of See’s candy. If you’re lucky, the egg will be found by an adult who likes to share! Happy Easter to all.
- 3 medium-large russet potatoes
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 3-6 slices lean bacon, chopped
- 1 c. sour cream
- 1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 T. fresh chopped or dehydrated chives
- milk
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- paprika
Wash potatoes, dry and rub with oil. Pierce skin with fork a couple of times and sprinkle with salt. Bake potatoes in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 60 minutes or until flesh is soft. Remove from oven and cut in half. Let sit for a few minutes to cool. Meanwhile cook bacon until crisp. Drain. Set aside. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove as much of the flesh as possible paying attention not to break the skin. (If you pierce the skin it is not the end of the world.) Mash the potato flesh with the cooked bacon, sour cream, cheese, and chives. Add enough milk to make a stiff mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Place potato skins on a baking sheet, skin side down. Scoop potato mixture into the skins and sprinkle with paprika. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until very hot and starting to get crisp and brown on top. Serves 6. These are wonderful with ham at Easter. I love them because you can make them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven about 45 minutes before you plan to serve dinner.