Spiral Baked Potatoes

Here's a new way to show off your kitchen know-how. You'll have everybody wondering just how you made these!

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 6 large baking potatoes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 slices (1 ounce each) Cheddar cheese, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions or chives

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
   
   
2. Put 2 wooden spoons parallel to one another and place a potato lengthwise between the handles. Make 8 crosswise cuts three-fourths of the way through the potato, stopping each time the knife hits the spoon handles. Repeat with the remaining potatoes; set aside.
   
   
3. In a small bowl, combine the oil, salt, and pepper; rub the mixture evenly over the potatoes. Place the potatoes on a cookie sheet and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until tender. Remove from the oven and place a cut piece of Cheddar cheese on top of each potato; bake for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the chopped scallions and serve.
   

Notes

If you'd like, add some sour cream and/or bacon bits to make these even more special.