Bake Potato Bar

I know! I know! You are scratching your head thinking that this is not allowed on my low carb eating plan. Yep! I am a cheater!! And was very happy and content while eating this for dinner. I had the biggest smile on my face until the next day when I went to take a run. I was paying for it the entire hour. But, I still contend that it was completely worth it! After all, Potatoes should not be a carb. As soon as I figure out who to petition this to, I assure you I will!!

This used to be a good standby meal when The Fireman would work. It takes little effort and not only do each child like this meal but they really like being able to customize their potato. The key is to warm up some chili (it is to die for on a crunchy bake potato) and some vegetables to pile either on the potato or on the side. It helps with the guilt. When The Fireman heard that we would have this when he was on duty it became an issue. No longer do I keep this for his duty days but include him. Who knew he would like it so much (he is only Honorary Irish rather than Irish like I am)

Everyone seems to have different methods for baking potatoes. I used to wrap in foil but over the years have found that it really isn't necessary. Now I wash and dry (no dirt necessary) and then rub just a tad of olive oil on the potato. I love the crunchy skin that you get when you do it this way. Salt and Pepper all sides.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for about an hour or until you can take a knife and pierce into the middle of the potato easily.

Put out all your favorite toppings. You could have the following (or all)
Butter
Sour Cream
Ranch
Green Onions
Chili (bean or no bean-I only happen to have no bean on hand this time)
Steamed vegetables (tonight it is broccoli but last time it was a box of cheesy broccoli)
This is my favorite! Baked Potato with chili, cheese, sour cream and green onions. Totally worth the pain I felt the next day!
If you want to trick your mind that it is really good for you, add the broccoli to the potato and add cheese! Also good for during Lent or Meatless Mondays.