Baked Potatoes

Potatoes were grown in South America along with peanuts, cocoa, lima beans and pineapples. They were introduced by seafarers into Ireland in the 1580s. Then, they arrived in America in the eighteenth century. In 1845, the devastating potato blight—a disease which made the plant wilt and rot—caused starving Irish to immigrate to America.

    4 russet potatoes

Toppings

    Salt
    Ground black pepper
    Butter
    Sour cream
    Cheddar cheese
    Bacon bits
    Chives

1.  Wrap potatoes in foil or coat in oil. Prick with fork in two or        
     three places. Bake in a preheated 425° oven for 1 hour or
     cook unwrapped potatoes in microwave on potato setting.

2.  When cooked, cut a cross in top of potatoes, press sides in.

3.  Season with salt and pepper. Top with butter, sour cream,
     cheese, bacon bits and chives.

     Hint: For a change, bake 4 sweet potatoes/yams for 1 hour
     at 350°. Top with butter and pure maple syrup.

     Makes 4 servings