Jacket Potatoes: Are they underrated?

Hi everyone,

I don't know about you but I love a good old' jacket potato! Are they underrated? It's not something that everyone likes but to me they are a good accompaniment to a three bean chilli, a cheesy beany mix and more. In the press recently, a chef suggested cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave. I'm all for shortcuts sometimes, but even I know that won't make lovely jacket potatoes nor make them soft and fluffy. So forget the microwave and make jacket potatoes this way instead!

Ingredients:

2-4 Jacket Potatoes (King Edwards or Maris Pipers are good- but some supermarkets sell jacket potatoes too)

Fillings (Three bean chilli, cheese & beans etc.)

Pinch of Salt

Herbs to season

Sunflower/Vegetable oil

Method:

1. First prepare the potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and pin prick them all over to ensure an even bake.

2. Then place on a foiled baking tray , rub them all over with a little oil and season with salt and herbs.

3. Place in the oven at 180F/200C/Gas Mark 6 and cook for 40-45 minutes. This is all dependent on your oven and also how big the potatoes are. Sometimes they need an hour or so.

4. Serve immediately with your chosen fillings.

Tips:

• Preheat your oven for 5 minutes. This helps with the cooking process.

• Rubbing the potatoes with a little oil before cooking helps the potatoes not to stick to the tray.

• Fresh herbs give an extra little something to the potatoes.

• This recipe is perfect to make with children as they can create their own fillings.

• The possibilities are endless with this recipe.

Let us know your thoughts on jacket potatoes. Are they underrated or are they overrated?

Until next time,

Lily x