Vegetarian Meal Ideas

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Baked potatoes can be cooked either in the oven or the microwave. For two or less, the microwave will save a lot of time and energy. The most common toppings are broccoli & cheese and sour cream & chives. The broccoli & cheese potato makes a complete meal in itself; you have a carb, a veggie and the cheese for protein. However, the sour cream & chives potato could use a boost. I would recommend serving with a green veggie and a protein. Tofu or beans would work well.

Russet potatoes are best. Pick a medium sized potato, one for each person. Most recipes give cooking times for a normal size potato, 7-8 oz. However the market has monster potatoes, around 14 oz. (see photo). These will take longer to cook. Most recipes suggest baking at 400 degrees for 1 hour. Cook's Illustrated, CI, recommends a lower heat, 350 degrees for a longer period, 1 hour 15 minutes for better flavor. Again, large potatoes will take even longer. Some oil the potato for a softer skin but CI feels the skin is not as good. Besides it is messy, both for the oven rack and catch pan. Also, many oils have a smoke point below 400 degrees. The smoke point for EVOO is 375. So, if oiling the potato, use the lower heat. Regarding wrapping potatoes in foil, I love a quote from CI's "Perfect Vegetables"; Foil-wrapped potatoes "are a notion perpetuated by mediocre steakhouses that want to keep potatoes warm indefinitely. Foil is an insult to potatoes; it holds the steam in, causing limp, damp skins and dense flesh."

Directions:
Wash with a brush under cold water. Remove any bad spots and poke with a fork on all sides (10-12 times).

Oven Method:  Set the oven rack to the middle position. Place a baking sheet below it to catch any drippings. Place the potatoes, evenly spaced, directly on the rack. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. For larger potatoes or more than 4 potatoes, the time may need to be increased by 15 minutes. Test by poking with a knife.

Microwave Method:  Put the potato in a Microwave Potato Bag. The bag is optional, but it will create a creamier baked potato. If a bag is not available, you can wrap it in a wet plain white paper towel (no dyes). Do not use a brown paper bag; they sometimes contain bits of metal and the seams can contain glue. For 1 potato, microwave on high for 4 minutes, for 4 potatoes use 12 minutes. When done, let it rest for 2 minutes. Depending on the strength of the microwave and size of the potato, 1 potato could take up to 8 minutes. Test after 4 minutes. If your microwave has a Baked Potato setting, try that. It could be using either a preset time or a moisture sensor depending on the microwave.

Notes:
As soon as they come out of the oven, slice open one side lengthwise and push in the ends to open it up. This will release the steam. Butter and add toppings of your choice, sour cream & chives, or broccoli & cheese, avocado etc.

A quick Cheese Sauce using a typical béchamel:

Servings:  2

Ingredients:

Directions: In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 min. Slowly pour in the milk while constantly stirring with the whisk. Add in the salt and pepper. Bring just to a simmer on a medium heat (6), constantly stirring until it thickens, 2-3 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted.

Notes:
To get a good flavor, the cheese is important; a good sharp cheddar is required.