Baked Potatoes

Yeah, I know. This is pretty basic, but I use baked potatoes as the base for meals every few weeks. Of course, all of the usual suspects show up--butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, etc., as well as one of our favorites, steamed broccoli. Think of the potato as your canvas. I'm listing some ideas below.

Baking potatoes (you choose the number)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Scrub the potatoes, and pierce them several times on each side. When the oven is preheated, place the potatoes on a rack in the middle of the oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potato gives when squeezed, while you're wearing oven mitts, of course.

Topping Suggestions in no particular order--use as few or as many as you like

Butter

Sour Cream

Shredded Cheese

Chopped Cooked Bacon

Broccoli, steamed

Scallions

Barbecue Pork

Stroganoff

Sriracha Mayonnaise (1/2 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon each sriracha and fresh lemon juice)

Chili

Barbecue Sauce

Tomatoes, chopped

Mustard (Yeah, I know it's weird. I like mustard.)

Cottage Cheese