2X Baked Spuds!!

Homegaters!

Last weekend the Northeast enjoyed an unusually warm weekend for December (no complaints here!). A couple of the Gameday Gang decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and hosted a homegate over at their place because they have a TV on their deck. That way we get some fresh air AND enjoy the games. Fantastic idea! You don't have to homegate inside all the time. If your place allows for outdoor entertaining while watching the games, go for it.

2X Baked Spuds are relatively easy to make and they travel well. You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and when you're ready, you can prep the filing and then bake them again. Whatever type of filling you make is up to you, but for this recipe I mixed sauteed hot Italian sausage with the potatoes, sour cream, scallions, garlic powder and cheddar cheese. It gets popped back in the oven to heat through and to melt the cheese. The Gang really enjoyed it - and the hostess even hoarded a few leftovers to a secret location in her fridge so that she could enjoy another one the next day before her hungry crew got to it.

2X Baked Spuds                                           

(serves 4-6)

5 large Idaho potatoes
8 oz container sour cream
6 hot Italian sausage removed
from their casings
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1/2 stick of butter
1 tsp granulated garlic
8 oz package of shredded cheddar
(reserve 1/2 cup)
salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1.  Bake the potatoes in a 400-degree oven for 45 minutes. Test with a fork for doneness. If the fork goes through the potato easily, they're done.

2.  Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly. Once cooled a bit, slice in half and scoop the insides into a bowl. Mash until soft.

3.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix through. Spoon back into the potato skins and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each potato.

4. Bake at 400-degrees until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

There you have it!

Hope you try it! It makes a hearty snack for gameday and your company will really enjoy it. Enjoy your games!

Until next weekend - keep on homegating!