Friday, September 05, 2008

Fruits of Our Own Efforts

Leaving you with one quick-to-make recipe, and - as ever - the filling can be your personal choice. Most of us now own a microwave, if not - just cook the potatoes in the oven in the traditional way, but it will take longer. To help speed up oven baked potatoes, first boil the unpeeled potato for 10 minutes, then put it in the oven and bake in the normal way, but it should be ready in half the time.
Golden Jackets: serves 4
4 baking potatoes
1 oz (25g) butter
6 oz (175g) Brie or other soft cheese
1 egg yolk
salt and pepper
4oz (100g) cooked peeled prawns, defrosted if frozen
2 tblsp golden breadcrumbs
Microwave the potatoes on High for approx 16 minutes, turning after 8 minutes. Leave to stand for 5 minutes then slice in half lengthways and scoop out most of the flesh. Mash this with the cheese, butter and egg yolk, adding seasoning to taste. When smooth, stir in the prawns (if large, chop up the prawns). Spoon into the potato shells, sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and place under a pre-heated grill until golden brown.
Note: if the filling has cooled down to0 much, pop the filled spuds back into the microwave and cook for five minutes before grilling.