Baked Potato

Summary

• Source: Good Eats, Alton Brown
• Genre: Side dish
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 1 potato per person

Ingredients

• 1 large russet (a.k.a. baking) potato
• Canola oil to coat
• Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Position oven racks with one in the top third, the other in the bottom third. Place a cookie sheet covered in aluminum foil on the lower rack. Heat oven to 350°F/175°C (verify with an oven thermometer).
2. Wash the potato thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Using a fork, poke 8-12 deep holes all over the surface of the potato to allow steam to escape. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato in the middle of the upper rack (making sure the cookie sheet is positioned to catch any drippings).
3. Bake 1 hour. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack it open by squeezing the ends towards each other. Watch out for the steam that will billow out, it can definitely burn you.