Baked Potatoes with Special Toppings

Microwave directions: Scrub, pat dry and prick Do not rub with shortening, margarine or butter. ON a plate arrange potatoes in a spoke fashion. Microwave them uncovered on 100% power for 14-17 minutes or till

tender, rearranging and turning potatoes once. Let stand for 5 minutes. Continue as directed.

Grilling directions: Prick potatoes, wrap each in heavy foil. Grill wrapped potatoes on an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 1-2 hours or till tender. Continue as directed.

Santa Fe Chicken Topper: In a sauce pan combine 3/4 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup salsa; bring to boiling. In another saucepan combine 1 cup fully cooked, chicken, cubed; one 8 oz can whole kernel corn, drained; and 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion. Heat through. Spoon the chicken corn mixture atop baked potatoes. Top with sauce and 1/2 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack or Monterey Jack cheese with peppers. Makes 4 main dish servings.

Farmer's Market Topper:: In an 8 inch skillet melt 1 tbsp margarine or butter. Cut 2 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash in half crosswise; thinly slice. Add to saucepan asong with 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms, 1/4 cup thin red onion wedges, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook, uncovered, till onion is tender but not brown;and liquid is evaporated. Stir together one 8 oz carton plain low-fat yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh thyme
or savory, 1 tbsp snipped fresh parsley and 1/2 tsp celery seed. Spoon atop potatoes. Top with hot vegetable mixture. Makes 4 main dish servings.

Thai Beef Topper: Partially freeze 12 ounces beef round steak; bias-slice into bite size strips. Pour 1 tbsp cooking oil into a wok or large skillet. (add more oil as necessary during cooking.) Preheat over medium-high heat. Stir fry beef in hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until slightly pink. Add 1.2 cup bottled stir-fry sauce, 1/2 cup water, and a few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce. Add 2 cups frozen stir fry vegetables. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes or till hot. Spoon atop potatoes. Top with chopped cashews or peanuts. Makes 4 main dish servings.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Rinse and bake potatoes at 375 degrees for about 1 hour or until soft. Cuta thin slice off the top of each potato. Carefully scoop out the pulp. Put in a bowl. Separate 2 eggs. Add egg yolks to potato pulp. Stir and blend until smooth. Add 4 tbsp butter