Potato Boats

This time of year always makes me nostalgic.  I think about childhood Christmases, ice skating on the frozen pond at the municipal park, and of course, food.  I don't know what sparks these memories but today I thought about something my Mom used to make for our lunch, Potato Boats! I haven't had one of these in decades.



I suppose they are called Potato Boats to get kids to eat them but to be more precise they are a twice baked potato stuffed with all sorts of tasty tidbits.  Mom used to keep them simple, just mashed potato and cheddar cheese.  Today I filled my boat with mustard and garlic mash.  



They are really easy to make.  No measuring required, just scrub as many potatoes as you need.  Dry them well and poke them with a fork so the steam will be released while baking.  Rub the outside of each potato with a bit of vegetable oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Heat the oven to 400F/200C and bake the potatoes for about 50 - 60 minutes or until they are cooked completely.



Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool a bit while you prepare you fillings and the cheese for topping.  Leave the oven on, you want it to be hot for the second baking.  

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully cut them in half and gently scoop out the fluffy flesh leaving the outer skins intact.  Place the potato flesh into a big bowl and mash.  This is where you can use your imagination and add the ingredients you like.

I used whole grain mustard, garlic powder, mixed dried herbs, and single cream to make my mash.  You can use sour cream and chives or just go the old fashion route and make mash with butter and milk.



Spoon the flavoured mash back into the potato skins, top with shredded cheese, and any other tasty bits you'd like.  I used smoked paprika but crispy bacon would be delicious...or maybe little cubes of salty ham.  You get the idea, it's what ever floats your boat.  *sorry*



Pop the potatoes back into the hot oven for another 10 - 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  Serve as a side dish or with a salad as a main course.  

Comments

  1. I am so making these for the beans! Thanks for sharing this recipe friend! This would be a welcome change from our typical lunch! Happy day to you! Nicole xo

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  2. This is a wonderful idea, I definitely will make potato boats one of these days before Christmas, when grandchildren come here to stay.

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  3. That is a favourite quick supper of mine too - thanks for reminding me to make it more often!

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