Taco Potatoes

Baked potatoes traditionally are topped with butter, cheese, sour cream, and chives. My in-laws make a twist on the classic baked potato by adding standard taco ingredients. Taco Potatoes are a Murray family favorite, and not only are they easy to prepare, but they are very filling. Don't let your eyes get bigger than your stomach or be prepared for leftovers. :)

Taco Potatoes
~basically the baked potato is your "taco shell" and the other ingredients can be as few or many as you desire.

Baking potatoes, small to medium sized, 1 per person

• Bake potatoes thoroughly. To cut down on time I like to bake them in the microwave for about 4-8 minutes, (poke holes in them first) and then finish baking them in the oven or on the barbecue.

Toppings, enough for each potato: use as many as you like or get creative with your own list

• Ground meat (turkey or beef), browned with taco seasonings in a skillet
• Shredded cheese, we like Monterey Jack and Mild Cheddar
• Black olives, sliced
• Spring onions and/or red or white onions, chopped small
• Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• Sour cream
• Ground pepper
• Ortega peppers, chopped (1 small can should be enough for 4 potatoes)
• Tomato, chopped
• Lettuce, chopped fine, (use sparingly)
• Avocado, chopped
• Taco sauce, optional (mild to hot)

Some creative alternatives could be chicken, garlic, salsa, beans, broccoli...please share any ideas you typically enjoy on a taco, that would be a treat to this recipe.

Enjoy!