Spicy Potato Skins

310 calories
11 g fat (5 g saturated)
490 mg sodium


INGREDIENTS:
4 small russet potatoes Olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup 2% milk
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
4 scallions, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/2 Tbsp minced chipotle pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Pickled Jalapenos, optional

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub the potatoes with a bit of olive oil and lightly salt the skins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until tender.

2. Cut the potatoes in half and, when cool enough to handle, carefully scoop out the warm flesh into a bowl (leave a thin layer of potato intact around the skin to help prevent it from tearing). Add the milk, butter, cheese, and scallions and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Preheat the broiler. Carefully scoop the mashed potatoes into the hollowed-out potato halves. Top with a bit of extra cheese and place under the broiler until the tops are brown and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Mix the chipotle with the sour cream and place a dollop on top of each cooked potato. Finish each with a bit of crumbled bacon and jalapenos.


Makes 4 servings / Cost per serving: $1.28

MEAL MULTIPLIER
you could make some improvements by folding any of dozens of different vegetables and healthy flavor additions into the formula outlined here. Simply replace the bacon, Cheddar, and sour cream with the following:
* Steamed broccoli and Parmesan
* Sundried tomatoes, chopped olives, artichoke hearts, and pesto
* Caramelized onions and goat cheese
* Chicken, asparagus, and roasted red peppers