Twice Baked Potatoes

There are no places on Earth quite like Ireland, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to explore the seemingly untouched landscape that is home to some of the greatest people and places in the world.  In the land of endless, rolling green hills and countless sheep, one thing is certain. Ireland is a place full of places, people and experiences that I will not soon forget. 

One evening in an Irish pub was all it took to convince me that Ireland has the friendliest people in the world.  We were embraced with the same warmth and hospitality of a local.  Everyone that we met was polite and kind and downright hilarious.  They were even merciful to a couple of crazy American tourists who decided to rent an unusually tiny manual car and drive it on the opposite side of the most narrow of country roads.  😬🚙

Navigationally challenged would be an accurate way to describe our travels through Ireland.  Getting lost actually led us to some pretty great adventures though.  Abandoned castles, quaint towns, breathtaking scenery and roads barricaded by sheep were a just a few of the things that we would have missed if we have not unintentionally strayed from our intended route.  

I honestly didn't know what kind of food to expect in Ireland.  We travelled from the North of the island to the South, and we had some great meals along the way.  We ate most of our meals in local pubs and I was blown away by the quality and menu selection.  A far cry from traditional American bar food.   Freshly farmed mussels in Irish cream sauce and fresh caught salmon with lemon dill sauce were stand outs.  And much to my surprise, they were even able to honor my request for decaf Irish coffee to end my meal.   And judging by the bewildered look on their faces, a request that I'm sure they don't get very often.  ☕️

Even though we didn't see a single potato farm on our drives through Ireland, it's very common to be served potatoes as a side dish with every meal.  Needless to say, it was a glorious few days of carbohydrate consumption.  Whipped, mashed, roasted, fried, hash browned and baked - I saw them served in every way possible.  

Is it possible that I actually got addicted to the humble spud in less than a week?  I've been back home for less two weeks and I'm still craving potatoes, all day long!  A batch of these twice baked potatoes ought to satisfy my craving.  To be honest though, I think I'm missing Ireland more than the potatoes.   These will have to do until I can make another trip though.  

Twice Baked Potatoes
4 russet potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 slices bacon
5 Tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 scallions, sliced thin

Prick each potato with a fork in 6 places.

Dissolve 1 Tablespoon salt in 1/2 cup water in large bowl.

Add potatoes and toss until moistened.

Place potatoes on wire rack on baking sheet.  Bake 1 hour at 450.  Cool 15 min.

Cook bacon in skillet until crispy. 

Cut 1/4" off top of each potato.  Discard.

Remove potato flesh using a fork.  Leave a 1/4" wall around inside of potato.

Mash potato flesh in bowl with 3 T. butter, sour cream, pepper and salt. 

Stir in cheddar, scallions and bacon. 

Divide mixture among potato shells. 

Melt 1 T. butter in skillet. Add potatoes and brush 1 T. butter over tops.  

Place in oven at 400 and bake 20-23 minutes.  Cool 10 min. before serving.

Check back on the blog on St. Patrick's Day for more pictures of our adventures through Ireland.  Giving myself a deadline for getting my photographs organized is helping me stay focused.  📷😂

Ciao!

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