Super Easy Meal #2: Baked Potato Bar

As promised, today I'm offering up another simple meal so you have plenty of time to enjoy your family and friends this holiday season.

Super Easy Meal #2: Baked Potato Bar

Our cafeteria at work serves a baked potato bar every couple months, and it's one of my all-time favorite lunches. I don't know why it took me years to realize that I could have a baked potato bar at home, too! Keep this meal simple by purchasing prepared toppings. Here are some ideas: butter, chili, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon, broccoli, and plenty of salt and pepper.

And cooking your spuds couldn't be easier. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Scrub your potatoes clean and use a fork to poke holes all around them. (If you forget to poke holes, you may have a potato explosion. Exciting, but messy.) Microwave potatoes on high for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. At this point they'll still be pretty firm, but will start to feel a little softer. Pop the potatoes into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until a sharp knife can be inserted very easily. Allow everyone to top the potatoes however they'd like!

With such an easy supper, you'll have plenty of extra time to rest up for New Year's Eve!