HOW TO COOK PERFECT BAKED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Scrub the potato with water and a vegetable brush until well-cleaned. Blot dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
• Rub the entire potato with olive oil, then sprinkle on some kosher salt and rub that all over the potato as well.
• Prick each potato with a fork three or four times. This will allow the steam to escape while baking.
• Place potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake until potatoes just begin to appear wrinkly and papery on the outside, and when you squeeze the potato, it gives - 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of your potato. Another way to test is to insert a fork into the potato (it's done if the fork goes in easily).
• Remove from the oven and, as soon as you can handle them, slice each potato down the middle. Then place your forefinger and thumbs on the bottom ends and squeeze toward the center. This helps to fluff the insides, and helps keep moisture from getting trapped inside the skin as the potatoes begin to cool.
• Serve warm with butter, sour cream, bacon, chives, scallions, salt, black pepper, sauteed mushrooms, chili, grated cheese, salsa, steamed broccoli, pretty much whatever you want. The perfect meal!