How To Bake a Potato

The perfect bake potato is crispy on the outside and pillowy in the middle. Cracked open and still steaming, it's ready to receive anything from a sprinkle of cheese to last night's stew. Here's how to make them.
 
Ingredients:

• One russed potato per person
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Equipment:

• A fork
• A baking sheet covered in foil

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 425 degree F - Turn on the oven while you're preparing the potatoes.
2. Scrub the Potatoes - scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Tou don't have to remove the eyes, but trim away any blemishes with a paring knife.
3.  Prick with a Fork -Prick the potatoes in a few places with the thines of a fork. This allows steam to escape from the baking potato.
4. Bake the Potatoes - You can bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or you can place them a few inches a part on a fiol-lined baking sheet. Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes. Flip them over every 20 minutes or so and check them for doneness by piercing them with a fork. Potatoes are done when the skines are dry and the insides feel completely soft when pierced.

Additional Notes: To cut down the baking time, microwave the potatoes for 3-4 minutes in the microwave before baking. For softer skins, wrap the potatoes in foil before baking.