The best fluffy baked potatoes

Serves 2   Cooking and prep time:

Ingredients

2 large baking potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edwards)

Olive oil

Sea salt

A little butter and salt to taste

Filling of choice: Shredded chicken and mayonnaise, hot baked beans, cheese melted under the grill, chopped boiled eggs, tuna mayonnaise and sweet corn.

 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 6/200C/400F.
2. Wash the potatoes very well scrub with a brush if necessary.
3. Prick the skin with a fork all over and dry them.
4. Cover the skin with olive oil and then sprinkle some sea salt over the top.
5. Place on a baking tray and put the tray in the middle shelf of the oven.
6. Bake for 75mins – 90 minutes, until brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Check to see if they are cooked on the inside by putting the blade of a sharp knife through the thickest part or a skewer. If it goes through easily, then it is cooked.
8. Remove and cut in half. Scoop out the middle and mash up with butter and salt to taste. Return to the skins and top with your favourite toppings.

Top Tip:

Sea salt is a flavour enhancer, rather than a replacement for a salty taste; it also contains oodles of natural minerals which are good for you. So if you want a saltier flavour in your potato, use a little table salt, rather than sea salt.  Only a pinch though.