SPUD SUCCESS

What's the best way to bake a potato? Experts may argue, but you can whip up delicious baked potatoes in the oven, in the microwave, on the grill or even over a campfire.

TRADITIONAL BAKED POTATOES

You can certainly bake a potato the old-fashioned way. Preheat your oven to 350 (F) degrees. Scrub each potato well with a vegetable brush, and poke it a couple of times with a fork. Bake your potatoes for one hour. Remove baked potatoes from the oven, and wrap each one in aluminum foil.

SPEEDY BAKED POTATOES

You can also get that traditional baked potato taste without waiting for the oven to preheat. You can make delicious baked potatoes in your microwave.

Select your potatoes. (Russet/Idaho potatoes are commonly used for baking. We like the golden ones the best.) Scrub each potato well with a vegetable brush.

Prick each potato several times with a fork. (This prevents the potato from bursting in the microwave while cooking.) Place your potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. If you are making multiple baked potatoes, try to arrange them in a circle on the plate.

Microwave your potatoes on FULL power for approximately five minutes. Turn the potatoes over, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. (Check your microwave's instructions, as cooking times may vary.) Avoid overcooking, as it will harden your baked potatoes, making them virtually inedible.

Test doneness by puncturing your baked potatoes with a fork. When the inner pulp is soft, your baked potatoes are done.

Remove your baked potatoes from microwave, and wrap each potato separately in aluminum foil before serving.

GRILLED BAKED POTATOES

If you are barbecuing chicken, burgers, ribs, fish or steaks, why not cook up your baked potatoes at the same time?

Baked potatoes are easy to make on the grill. Simply scrub each potato, pierce it a few times with a fork, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place each potato on the grill rack, and cook it until the pulp inside is soft and tender. You can test it by poking each potato with your grilling fork.

Because the aluminum foil will become dark and tarnished in the fire, you will want to remove it before serving your delicious grilled baked potatoes at your cookout or picnic.

CAMPFIRE BAKED POTATOES

Do you love to camp out? You can make delicious baked potatoes in a campfire. Scrub each potato, and poke it several times with a fork. Wrap each potato separately in aluminum foil. (Double-wrapping is a good idea.)

Place your potatoes directly on the hot coals and embers of your campfire. Cook for 45 minutes, or until you can pierce potatoes easily with a grilling fork.

Handle hot baked potatoes carefully. Remove blackened foil before serving your campfire baked potatoes.

BAKED POTATO VARIATIONS

A baked potato can be a hearty side dish, or even a quick supper, if you open it up and add a topping or two:

* shredded cheddar cheese, chopped broccoli and bacon bits
* spicy salsa and sour cream
* tangy pizza sauce and grated mozzarella cheese
* hot chili and chopped onions
* tasty taco meat, chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce

Enjoy your baked potato with a cup of hot soup or a crispy, fresh salad, if you wish!

NOTE:
A fabric Spud Bag is now available to aid in microwave cooking of baked potatoes. The Spud Bag makes a wonderful gift for a cook who loves baked potatoes.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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