Twice-Baked Potatoes . . .

Lent is always a good time to not only sacrifice the ease of fixing meals with meat but doing extra thinking in providing meatless meals. I noticed that baking potatoes are going for good prices at the store and it reminded me of twice-baked potatoes. Providing each person in the family with a big potato along side a hearty salad makes you forget there isn't any meat on the plate.

My way of making twice-baked potatoes is pretty basic. You scrub a large, baking potato for each person in the family. Pierce the potato several times to allow the steam to escape during baking. They will explode if you don't and please, let's not ask me how I know this! Bake them at 350 degrees for approximately 40-60 minutes depending on the weight of the potatoes.

When the potatoes are baked through, remove from oven and cup off the lengthwise top of each one. You don't want to cut the potato in half, just sort of provide a 'lid'. Carefully scoop out the potato being sure to leave about a quarter of an inch or so to hold the shell together. Now, you get to be creative!

Mash the potato 'insides' together in a large bowl. Add some warmed milk/cream, butter, salt, and pepper. This is your empty canvas and now you create your entree!

1. We like cheddar potatoes so I add some grated, sharp cheddar, a few chili flakes, and dried dill which seems to enhance the cheddar's tang.

2. You can grill some onions and mix that in with some diced chilies and Monteray Jack cheese. Diced, black olives are a nice touch, too.

3. Add some freshly diced tomato with Provolone cheese, and Italian spices. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Romano over the top of each potato when you bake it.

4. Tuna works with some diced celery which will add some crunch. I like a bit of caraway mixed into the filling.

5. Canned salmon will elevate the lowly potato to new standards! Finely diced, red onion adds a tang to the dish.

Once you have decided on your filling creation, restuff your potatoes with the mixture. You can even top with with some buttered bread crumbs, if you like! Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until they are piping hot. Serve along side a big, colorful salad with some garlic bread and you have a feast.