Stuffed Potatoes

If you have a microwave, you can certainly make a regular "baked potato" on any given day, but if you add just a few extra minutes to your prep time, you can have yourself a tasty meal with enough leftover for the next day.

Found this recipe from Cooking Light's 'Dinner Tonight Cookbook'. Easily made in 20-30 minutes, including the 8 minutes baking time.

Equipment:
Large Baking Sheet
Microwave
Medium Mixing Bowl
Small saucepan or skillet

Ingredients:
3-4 Baking Potatoes
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
2-3 Tbls butter
1/2 cup gruyere cheese, grated (I use cheddar, gouda, whatever is in the fridge)
1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped
1-2 green onions, finely sliced (optional if you don't like onions)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.  Preheat oven to 450-500F degrees.
2. Scrub the potatoes and "stab it" 5-6 times

3. Place in the microwave and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on "HI" for 6 minutes.
4. Turn potatoes over at 6 minutes and microwave for another 6 minutes.  Total time:  12 minutes.
5. Prep garlic, cheese, ham, and green onions.

6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over MEDIUM heat and sauté garlic x 30 seconds.

7. Add milk and simmer.

8. When potatoes are tender, allow to cool x 3-5 minutes.
9. Cut potatoes in half and score the pulp with a 1/4" border to easily remove the pulp with a spoon.

10. Combine the pulp and milk mixture in a mixing bowl.

11. Add cheese, onions and ham.  Season with salt & pepper.

12. Equally divide the pulp mixture into the potato halves and sprinkle with cheese.

13. Place on a large baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden on top.

14. Top it off with sour cream and enjoy.