Stuffed Blue Cheese Potatoes

4 medium russet potatoes

1-2 T. shortening or vegetable oil, for rubbing on the potatoes

1/4 c real butter, cut into chunks

1/2 c sour cream

1 oz (1/4cup) crumbled blue cheese

1/4 c milk or buttermilk

3/4 tsp. salt

dash of pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

8 pieces bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled

shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash & dry potatoes. Rub them lightly with a bit of shortening or vegetable oil & place directly on oven rack. Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Remove potatoes & allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Cut each potato in half to make 8 servings. You may want to hold them with a potholder as they will still be hot!

Scoop out the insides & place in a bowl. Mash, and add butter, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, salt, pepper, & garlic powder. Beat with a hand mixer until fluffy. Carefully spoon mixture back into potato shells. Place in a baking dish.

Return the potatoes to the oven & bake for 12-15 minutes.

Remove, sprinkle bacon & cheddar cheese over each potato, and bake an additional 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted & bubbly.

recipe via: Our Best Bites Cookbook