Potatoes On The Half Shell Recipes

MOM'S FAMOUS HALF-SHELL POTATOES

Steps:

• PREHEAT oven to 400°F with rack in the center position.
• WASH the freshest smooth-skinned blemish-free russet potatoes; PIERCE each potato evenly 4 times using a fork; COAT each potato with vegetable oil; SPRINKLE each potato lightly with kosher salt; WRAP each potato with aluminum foil.
• PLACE potatoes on center rack in oven; BAKE potatoes for 1 hour.
• REMOVE potatoes from oven; ALLOW to cool just slightly; LOWER oven temperature to 350°F.
• REMOVE foil from one potato at a time with one oven mitt; CUT potato lengthwise on a cutting board with a serrated knife across the flattest, widest surface; HOLD hot potato in oven mitt; SCOOP put out potato pulp carefully from each half into a large bowl, leaving enough skin and pulp in each shell to support filling; PLACE each shell cut-side up on a cookie sheet; REPEAT same process with remaining potatoes, working quickly and carefully while potatoes are still warm.
• WHIP potato pulp well using a potato masher or fork; ADD 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons real mayonnaise, 1/3 cup whole milk, kosher salt and finely ground pepper to taste (more milk may be added for potatoes to remain stiff yet fluffy; ADJUST seasoning if needed; STIR in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; FOLD in chopped onion last, just until combined.
• FILL each potato shell on the baking sheet evenly until all of the potato mixture is used; TOP each potato with sharp cheddar cheese, divided evenly between potatoes; SPRINKLE potatoes lightly with paprika (smoked paprika is good); potatoes may be covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
• BAKE potatoes on the center rack in oven, for 15 minutes.
• COOL baked potatoes for 3-5 minutes.
• SERVE and enjoy!

POTATOES ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
• Scrub the potatoes and place them in the oven until done, about 1 hour.
• Cut each potato in half, lengthwise. Carefully, scoop out the potato and place in a bowl. Set the potato shells aside to use later.
• While still hot, mash the potatoes with the milk, beaten egg, and butter. Beat until fluffy.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add in the onion.
• Spread the potato shells with butter and fill each shell with the potato mixture.
• Sprinkle the tops with parmesan cheese.
• Bake until tops are browned.

SCALLOPS ON THE HALF SHELL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Remove the side muscles from the scallops and rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
• Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted add the garlic and a pinch of salt and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and toss in the bread crumbs until well combined. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, toss together the tomato, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Evenly divide the tomato mixture between 4 oven proof ramekins or scallop shells. Place the scallops over the tomato mixture and top with the cracker or bread crumbs. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve immediately.

TACO POTATO SHELLS

Steps:

• Scrub and pierce potatoes. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out pulp, leaving a thin shell (refrigerate pulp for another use). Brush inside and outside of potato shells with butter. , Place cut side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add tomatoes and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. , Spoon into potato shells; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions.

TWICE-BAKED POTATOES FOR THE FREEZER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Wash and scrub potatoes. Place potatoes on the center rack and bake until they are soft in the center, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool to the touch, about 15 minutes.
• Cut potatoes in half and remove potato flesh from the skin, leaving the skin intact. Place potato flesh in a large bowl and beat until fluffy using an electric mixer. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper and beat until smooth.
• Spoon potato mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large tip and pipe back into the potato skins. Sprinkle with fresh chives. Transfer to freezer bags and freeze until ready to use.