Easy Jacket Potatoes

If you are pressed for time then doing this process speeds up the cooking time. Making things a bit simpler in the kitchen. Which is always a help.  

First wash the potatoes then place them on a microwave safe plate. There is no need to pat them dry.  

Then using a fork, pierce each potato multiple times all the round and on it's sides. This lets the steam out.

Once all the potatoes have been pierced, place the plate in the microwave oven and set on high for about 6 minutes. No need to cover them. Depending on how many potatoes you are doing and the size of the potatoes, microwave time may be decreased and  possibly additional time may be needed. However start with 6 minutes, about 1 minute per potato, and go from there. You may turn each potato once during this time however it is not required. When ready potatoes should be just slightly soft when pinched and they will be very hot! So keep your oven mitts or pot holders near.  

Be careful when removing the plate and potatoes from the microwave oven. Use oven mitts or pot holders to help because both plate and potatoes will be very hot! Place the plate on the counter. Now it is time to carefully wrap each potato tightly in aluminium foil.

Once all the potatoes have been wrapped, arrange them on a baking tray and place them in a pre-heated 400ºF oven for about 30 - 45 minutes or until done. Fully soft and steaming hot. Skin should be tender and possibly slightly crisp.   

When done, unwrap. Dress them how you like or with just a bit of butter and enjoy! 

Have a good weekend everyone! - JD 

Oven Baked Sausages

I always cooked sausages by the traditional method, frying, however one night I decided to bake them in the oven. It is a bit more healthier than frying and pretty simple. All you have to do is... Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Toss the sausages lightly in a bit of oil... olive oil is good however I used Camelina oil. Place the sausages on the prepared baking tray and bake for 30 minutes. Turning only once to brown evenly. The sausages should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees with no pink showing. 

Definitely a more easier and simpler way to cook sausages. - JD 

Seasoned Croutons

These croutons are easy to make and better than any store bought croutons you can buy. First, you want to take a loaf or half a loaf of day old bread. I had, half a loaf of french bread that had been at least 4 days old. Cut that up into cubes. Doesn't matter how big or small you make the cubes. Even random shapes work. Once cut up place them into a large bowl. 

Now drizzle with olive oil. Then you want to shake some seasonings and herbs over the cubes. I used a mixed Cajun seasoning and some garlic and herb Mrs. Dash. How much is up to you. Once the seasonings are added toss to coat. You can use your hands or use a fork and a spoon, like you would if you were tossing a salad.    

Add some grated cheese. You can add whatever cheese you would like. I had Asiago on hand. Toss to coat again. They are done and ready for the oven. 

Place the dressed bread cubes on a lined baking pan. I used aluminum foil however parchment paper is great too. Grate some more cheese over top. Bake in a preheated 350º oven for about 15 - 20 minutes. Checking to make sure that they are browning nicely and do not get burnt. 

Once nicely browned and cheese has melted. Pull from the oven and let them cool on the baking pan until cool. Serve on top of your favourite salad or soup. Store in an air tight container or a plastic bag. 


It is the simplest of things in life! - JW