Saint Patrick’s Day Potatoes

Are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year?  These potatoes may not really be Irish, but we think they still count as part of the celebration.  Plus, it’s so easy to make that every member of the family can help. One of the favorite jobs for kids is poking the holes in the potatoes before baking (and it’s a really important job, too!).  You can also put out some toppings for your family to add to their potatoes-like a baked potato bar.  We like to add green onions and a little bit of Greek yogurt.

Twice Baked Potatoes 

Potatoes are the world’s fourth-largest food crop, after rice, wheat and corn. Here’s a way to make the flavor really pop! 

HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 2 HOURS

MAKES: 4 SERVINGS

KITCHEN GEAR: 

Fork
Sharp knife
Potholders
Soup spoon
Mixing bowl
Measuring cup
Small baking pan

INGREDIENTS

2   Idaho potatoes*, scrubbed clean

1⁄4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese

1⁄4 cup low-fat milk

1⁄4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 pinch salt **

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash your hands with soap and water, then gather all your kitchen gear and ingredients and put them on a clean counter.

1. With the help of your adult, turn the oven on and set it to 450 degrees.
2. Poke small holes*** in each potato using a fork.
3. When the oven is hot, with the help of your adult, put the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the potatoes are tender, about 40 minutes.
4. With the help of your adult and using potholders, take the potatoes out of the oven and set them aside until they are cool enough to hold, at least 20 minutes.
5. With the help of your adult, cut each potato in half with a knife.
6. With the spoon, carefully scoop out the white (inner) part of the potatoes, but try not to break the skin. Put the white part in the bowl. Set the potato skins aside for later.
7. Add the ricotta, milk, cheddar cheese and salt to the potato mixture in the bowl and mash together.
8. Divide the mixture into 4 piles, and scoop each pile into one of the potato halves.
9. Put the stuffed potatoes on the baking pan. With the help of your adult, put the baking pan in the oven and bake until the potatoes are warmed throughout and the tops are golden, about 20 minutes.

NOTES

* Idaho potatoes are large potatoes with a thick skin, good for baking.

** A pinch is the amount you can pinch between two fingers.

*** The moisture inside a potato expands when you cook it. Pricking the skin, lets that moisture out. If you forget to do this, it can explode all over your oven!