Saturday, February 19, 2011

Twice Baked Potatoes



Just like a lot of us out there, I've been trying to eat healthier. And after YEARS of all sorts of diets and weight roller coasters, I've made some pretty strong decisions on what I am and am not willing to do to stay healthy.

I AM willing to eat more fruits and vegetables.

I AM NOT willing to eat grilled chicken and steamed vegetables every night for dinner.

I AM willing to eat those Arnold Sandwich thins and less bread and carbs.

I AM NOT willing to cut carbs like pasta and bread out of my diet completely.

I AM willing to put less cheese on my food to cut calories.

I AM NOT willing to cut cheese out of my diet, or buy that disgusting fake cheese to substitute.

I AM willing to eat one cookie, instead of three, and not beat myself up about it.

I AM NOT willing deprive myself of small portions of sugar, chocolate and all the wonderful treats that add joy to our life.

I AM willing to make positive lifestyle changes that will provide me with variety and a change in how I look and feel.

I think Joanne from Eats Well with Others (seriously one of the cutest and most hilarious food blogs ever, I adore this girl), who is also trying to eat healthy said it best when recommending that we keep a good variety in our diet so we don't get bored. This has probably been the best advice for me thus far, and the good news it that it's working!

So when I found these twice baked potatoes, I didn't scream and shield my eyes from the gloriously starchy, carby, cheesy pictures in horror. No more deprivation in my diet, just moderation, and I was sure to savor every bite! Not only are they delicious, lightened and beautiful, but they're also a lot of fun to make, and easier then they sound. My one piece of advice is that you are careful with your dried mustard. I think I went a bit overboard and it made them a lot sharper then I would have liked, but otherwise they are just delicious and a really fun side for so many things.

Classic Twice Baked Potatoes
America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes, about 8 oz each, scrubbed and dried
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 onion minced
1 garlic clove minced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup lowfat sour cream
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
salt and pepper
scallion, sliced thin

Directions

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and middle positions and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Rub the potatoes with the oil, place directly on the upper oven rack, and bake until the skins are crisp and deep brown and a skewer easily pierces the flesh, about 1 hour, flipping them halfway.

2. While the potatoes bake, melt the butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.

3. Transfer the potatoes to a wire rack and set over a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 500 degrees.

4. Following the photos on page 145, cut each potato in half lengthwise through the narrow curved side. Using an oven mitt or an folded kitchen towel to hold the hot potatoes, scoop the flesh from each potato half into a medium bowl, leaving 1/8-inch thickness of flesh in each shell. Transfer the potato shells back to the wire rack.

5. Mash the potato flesh with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar, sour cream, milk, dry mustard, onion-garlic mixture, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Spoon the mixture into the potato shells, mounding it slightly at the center. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.

6. Bake the potatoes on the middle rack until the shells are crisp and the cheese is melted and spotty brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.

Serves 8: 1 serving is 1 potato half

Per Serving: 190 cal, 8g fat, 25g carb, 7g prot, 2g fiber, 320mg sod

What are some of your healthy eating rules?

26 comments:

Yoly said...

I haven't make any rules just yet altough I know I need to make changes. I loved your rules!!

Anonymous said...

I will not give up my beloved cheese! :D

Thanks for your comments this week - we got great news yesterday - my husbands cancer was removed with surgery and he won't need chemo! Yippee!

He'll be on a low fiber diet when he gets home, and I think the "insides" of your twice baked potatoes will be perfect for him.

Enjoy your weekend!

Erica said...

LOVE your wills/will nots! Deprivation of any food or food group is never the way to go (in the long term). Its everything in moderation + exercise (in my opinion). And these potatoes look fantastic! I haven't had twice baked potatoes in ages. So delicious. Happy weekend

Adriane said...

i LOVE your rules...i might have to integrate them into my life:) and i'll definitely have to try that recipe for the twice-baked potatoes!!

Barbara Bakes said...

I love your list of wills and won'ts. I feel the exact same way. I haven't had twice baked potatoes for years. Sounds like a great version.

Joanne said...

Oh teresa, you almost made me cry with this post! You are soooo sweet. You're one of my faves as well. I always know that I should come here on a full stomach otherwise I'll be STARVING by the time I'm done reading about your latest creation.

The key to any kind of lifestyle change is moderation. Otherwise you end up craving the things you used to love and binging on them after a week or so of deprivation, which is worse than if you had just eaten them in smaller amounts the whole time! This recipe looks so delicious. I could so eat it as a main course with some veggies or a salad on the side. Healthy and balanced meal.

Heather S-G said...

I couldn't agree with that philosphy more! Now, where's my tater??

Jennifer said...

I love your rules for healthy eating, I am trying to do better. I just take it one day at a time, LOL. Trying to incorporate more fruit and veggies into my diet

Chris said...

Love America's Test Kitchen and these twice baked taters look like they rock.

I don't do well with dieting, I basically just regulate my weight by lots of exercise (martial arts, weights, running).

Liz said...

I agree that moderation is key, I also love the recipes that come from America's Test Kitchen. Looks great!

Barbara said...

Moderation is good. Unfortunately, someone needs to define that for me every now and then, therefore, I am again on a diet. Since Christmas. Now when I get down where I should be, let's hope moderation becomes capital letters in my life once more. Then I can enjoy this marvelous recipe!

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love double stuffed potatoes and the recipe you've used is wonderful. As are your personal rules. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Pam said...

I couldn't give up potatoes... they are my favorite. These twice baked potatoes look tasty.

MaryBeth said...

I love the rules...the more you tell yourself that you can't have what you want to eat the more you want it and will cheat...These little taters look simply perfect for any dinner side dish.

Tammy said...

moderation is key and variety keeps things interesting so you don't get bored....food is to enjoy, it is such a simple pleasure in life! But, we must be wise about it to stay healthy...

Reeni said...

Yes please! These look delectable! I like your food rules - some of mine are the same - but my most important one is all things in moderation - even desserts and pastas.

Natalie said...

totally agree with your statements above!! moderation is best!

chow and chatter said...

sounds like you have figured out a good balance love spuds :-) and I am a big fan of Joanne as well

Unknown said...

I totally agree that moderation is the way to go. I couldn't live without chocolate, especially hot cocoa. But I should definitely cut back on eating take-out. :)

As for the potatoes, they look absolutely delicious! I just know that my fiance would love them. Thanks for sharing!

Leslie said...

AMEN sista!!! I totally agree with all of your statements!!!!
I love twice baked potatoes..my Mom used to make them all the time for me when I was a kid

Julie said...

I suck at the moderation thing. I'm an "all or nothing" kinda girl. With these potatoes, I wouldn't leave any for anybody else...ha! I like your rules though...definitely can't deprive yourself too mcuh.

MaryMoh said...

This looks simple and delicious. Wonderful to know you are making changes to your diet. Yes, totally agree with Joanne to have variety. For a change of diet to last, it has to be delicious even though it's simple. Maybe you can consider freshly made juices. It is not only packed with nutrients that your body needs but keeps you full too. My favourite is carrots-apple juice. It's really delicious. Give a try. Oh, invest in a good juicer like mine. You can read more on my blog in the Heath section. I wish you all success in your healthy eating. Have a wonderful day. MaryMoh at http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com

Val said...

I have no rules, really....But, I just eat a few bites and push it away!!! Very hard for me. I love full fat flavor. SIGH.

theUngourmet said...

Yum! I've been on a twice baked potato kick lately. We had some last night with turkey bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and broccoli. ;)

These look awesome! Joanne is so much fun!

I've been trying to cut back by making mini muffins and cupcakes instead of full size. Too bad I still eat three or four at a time. :D

pigpigscorner said...

Cutting down on carbs is the worst part!

Shanae Branham said...

My number one healthy eating rule that I just broke was to: "Not down 2 lbs of chocolate covered raisins in 3 days". Oops...better luck next week.