APPETIZER POTATO SKINS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425ºF. Using a sharp knife, cut off four 1⁄4-in.-thick skins from each potato; reserve the centers for another use.
• Place the skins on rimmed baking sheets. Bake until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Parmesan and cayenne pepper.
• Remove the potato skins from the oven and heat the broiler. Lightly spray the potatoes with olive oil spray and sprinkle with the Parmesan mixture. Broil until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Instead of the Parmesan and cayenne, sprinkle the potato skins with a little smoked paprika and sea salt, or brown sugar and cumin. Or switch the cheese to Cheddar or asiago.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Pierce potatoes several times with a fork and wrap in paper towels. Microwave on high for 13 to 15 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through. Remove from microwave and cool until potatoes are easy to handle. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop all but 1/8 inch of the inside of the potato, leaving skin intact. Reserve scooped potato flesh for another use.
• Brush both inside and outside of potatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place potatoes, skin-side down, on a baking sheet and bake until skins are crisp and edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
• In the meantime, prepare the filling. Steam the broccoli until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside. Spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until crisp stirring often, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reserve.
• To make avocado cream, combine scallion whites, avocado, sour cream lime juice, cilantro, garlic and salt in the small bowl of a food processor and process on high until smooth. About 30 seconds.
• Toss the broccoli with cheese and spoon filling evenly among potatoes. Lower oven to 400 degrees F and return potatoes to oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the avocado cream on top of broccoli-filled potatoes, then top with scallion greens and 1 teaspoon crisped bacon bits.