Potatoes are the world’s fourth-largest food crop, after rice, wheat, and corn. Here’s a way to make the flavor really pop!
kitchen gear
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Sharp knife (adult needed)
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Fork
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Potholders
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Soup spoon
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring cup
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Small baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 Idaho potatoes*, scrubbed clean
- 1⁄4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pinch salt **
Instructions
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Turn the oven on and set the heat to 450 degrees.
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Poke small holes*** in each potato using a fork.
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When the oven temperature has reached 450 degrees, put the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the potatoes are tender, about 40 minutes.
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Using potholders, take the potatoes out of the oven and set them aside until they are cool enough to hold, at least 20 minutes.
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Cut each potato in half with a knife.
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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.
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Add the ricotta, milk, cheddar cheese, and salt to the potato mixture in the bowl and mash together.
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Divide the mixture into 4 piles, and scoop each pile into one of the potato halves.
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Put the stuffed potatoes on the baking pan. 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!
