a recipe // potato bar

the baked potato bar.  it's cheap.  it's easy.  and it's just plain awesome every time we have it.  say hello to your next go-to meal, it's one of our favorites over here at the watters' homestead.  it's a dinner for those nights where cooking seems laughable and just saying the two horrid words, "fast food", makes you wince.  and did i mention that this is a please all meal, as in everyone?  yes...you too, picky eater, you!  

step 1: le toppings

this is were you can get really creative and crafty.  heck, open up your fridge door and i'm pretty sure you have at least 3 things in the door that would taste pretty darn good on a spud.    last night andrew and i opted for a south-of-the-border flavor so we went with some spicy pico de gallo and chipotle chili i had frozen this past winter.  green onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream {of course!} made it even better.  

here are some other ingredients we like atop our taters:

*avocado

*bacon {duh}

*ranch dressing

*hot sauce
*artichokes

*brie cheese

*goat cheese

*roasted red peppers

*black beans

*caramelized onions

*grilled veggies

*sauteed mushrooms

*jalapenos

step 2: le potato  {poe-TAT-oooh}

heat your oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds.  wash the potatoes thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water to get the skins nice and clean.  don't forget to pat them dry.  then using a fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking.  place them in a bowl and coat lightly with olive oil and kosher salt.  then place potato directly on the cooking rack wrapped in foil in middle of your oven.  put a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.  bake them for 1 hour, open them up, and fill em up with your delicious toppings!

step 3: eat & enjoy!

no side dish, says you?  a cold beer doesn't hurt ;)

and i'd like to know, what are some of your favorite quick go-to summer meals when you are in a rush and don't want to spend money eating out?