Beefy Spuds Recipes

SPEEDY SPUDS

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes with the vegetable brush. Poke each potato several times with the fork (this lets the steam escape and makes it easier to split the potato open later). Put potatoes about 1 inch apart in a circle on the plate. Microwave on High for 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Use the pot holders to take plate out of microwave.
• Peel the outside layer of skin from the green onions. Slice onions on the cutting board, using the knife (you need about 1/2 cup).
• Spray the skillet with the cooking spray. Put the green onions and ham (or bacon bits or pepperoni) in skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, stirring all the time with the wooden spoon, until ham is hot. Take skillet off hot burner.
• Cut baked potatoes lengthwise in half, using knife. (If the potatoes are too hot, hold them with a pot holder). Fluff insides of potato with fork. Put 1 tablespoon of the sour cream on each potato half, using the rubber spatula to get it out of the measuring spoon. Spread sour cream a little with rubber spatula. Top each potato half evenly with some ham mixture and cheese.

HAM-AND-SPINACH SPUDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pierce the potatoes with a fork; microwave for 15 minutes. Remove and brush with olive oil; transfer to the oven rack and bake until fully tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 6 minutes. Stir in the spinach and ham and cook until the greens wilt and the mixture is about as thick as sour cream, 3 to 4 more minutes. Season with the cayenne and nutmeg and add salt to taste.
• Slice the cooked potatoes lengthwise down the middle (but not all the way through); press in on the ends to open the slit. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon oil into each potato; fluff the flesh with a fork and season with salt. Divide the spinach mixture among the potatoes and top with the shredded cheese while still hot.