Perfect baked potatoes

lizzyb1812

alwaysbrassic - my sister in law can't cook (seriously, and she agrees) but 29 years and 3 kids later she and my brother are very happy together.

flaire

I stab the potato multiple times with a fork. Bung it in the microwave for 9-10 minutes (depending on the size and number).

Very therapeutic - and tasty.

C x

crazyguy

Easy guides here:

http://www.e-cookbooks.net/

http://www.femita.com/cooking/food/simple-home-cooking/

http://indianfood.about.com/od/thebasics/a/nevercooked.htm

maman

quintwins wrote: »

i wash mine and cut them in an x then i microwave them for 10mins (i don't bother turning them) and i pop them in the oven for 20mins there yummy

I do mine almost exactly the same as quintwins. I'd recommend checking them every 5 mins or so as it depends so much on the type of potatoes and the size of them. I give mine a squeeze with a teatowel over my hand until they're soft enough.

I totally agree about how lovely they are crisped up in the oven but I can't bring myself to do that unless I'm cooking something else in there as well. I'm far too mean!

sophistica

Sound like you microwaved them for too long. Put the potato in for 4 mins then squeeze it. It should still feel slightly hard in the middle. Then leave it to sit for a minute and it carries on cooking the inside. If the potato is still hard after the minute of sitting put it back in for another minute. If you take the potato out when it is completely soft in the middle it will dry out and be rock hard after the sitting period.

Oliver14

Just prick them and put them in foil and put them in an a normal oven for an hour or so. I always think sometimes people doing stuff in a Microwave just over complicates the simplest of things. Get rid of the Microwave is my advice

N.B. I dont actually own a Microwave anymore mine died 3 or 4 years ago never replaced it and don't miss it. When my MIL visists she is constantly trying to get me to get one, She has even offered to buy one for us but I'd rather use the space in the Kitchen for something a bit more useful.I do still get people say things like , How do you reheat meals. Well I put them in the oven.

Any

I think that "bang them in the oven for an hour and half" is a bit obvious and don't think that was the point of the OP.... For one potato I would have chosen microwave too, anyone seen the price of utilities recently? At home I often start of the potatoes in the microwave, it massively shortens the time for the oven (unless I make few of them...).

BUT, OP I would at least finish it off in the oven if you can/have the time at all. At least for 15 mins. It does make massive difference to the taste.

I have never heard of wrapping them in kitchen roll I have to say, but I cannot believe the potato went "harder". There was something wrong either with the potato, or the setting. That is just not normal. So I don't think it was your fault per se:-))

lostinrates

Any wrote: »

I think that "bang them in the oven for an hour and half" is a bit obvious and don't think that was the point of the OP.... )

fair enough. But if I couldn't cook a baked potato and wanted to be able too I'd be pleased to hear how others do rather than resign myself to a life without them

fwiw, I agree about price of cooking, but two contributors here said they don't have a microwave, and I don't have one. Its also fair enough to say as you did, that an oven or patial oven method makes a better potato.

katkins78

Any wrote: »

I have never heard of wrapping them in kitchen roll I have to say, but I cannot believe the potato went "harder". There was something wrong either with the potato, or the setting. That is just not normal. So I don't think it was your fault per se:-))

I've overcooked spuds in the microwave and they do go harder and chewy in the center. You name it, I've overcooked it! Husband knows dinner is ready when the smokealarm kicks off:o

Any

lostinrates wrote: »

fair enough. But if I couldn't cook a baked potato and wanted to be able too I'd be pleased to hear how others do rather than resign myself to a life without them

fwiw, I agree about price of cooking, but two contributors here said they don't have a microwave, and I don't have one. Its also fair enough to say as you did, that an oven or patial oven method makes a better potato.

I am sorry if you feel for some reason offended, I didn't mean to offend anyone.

The OP said that she couldn't be bothered after having to deal with a baby all day and I also felt "you call that cooking" that few posters suggested was a bit harsh.. So I was just trying to post other view.

It works both ways you know - I have Rayburn oven that takes hour to heat up to the temperature in the first place, so "bang in the oven for an hour and half" is not really an option for me either... 2.5 hours of increased gas usage for a potato is a bit prohibiting...