HOW LONG DO YOU COOK BAKED POTATOES IN THE OVEN RECIPES

Steps:

• Perhaps the most common steak question I get is “How long should I cook Filet Mignon?”  The short, but likely inaccurate answer, is “about 10-12 minutes”. However, the real answer, is a bit more complicated. The question is not a simple one…nor does it have a simple answer. In reality, how long you should cook your filet mignon depends on a number of factors, many of which are unique to your preferences, your filet, and even to your specific kitchen, stove, grill, and pan. The reality is, each time you cook a filet, the cooking time could be materially different. Fortunately, if you learn the fundamentals that drive cooking time, if you practice (i.e. cook) a little bit, and if you use some of the simple tools of the trade, you’ll figure out how long to cook each filet thrown your way. Follow the advice below, and you’ll be well on your way! How Long do you Cook Filet Mignon Let’s start at the end. Most filet mignon lovers are looking for two things: A crispy golden brown outside that has a crunchy texture, and salty beefy flavor A tender, juicy center cooked to their preferred temperature – between rare and well done To get the crispy crust, it’s best to use direct heat (a hot pan or grill), and it’s easy to visually tell when you have that crust established. But, that same heat does a poor job of getting the filet’s center to the proper doneness. So, you’ll want to use in-direct heat (like an oven) to cook the filet through to where you want it.  And it’s impossible to visually tell how cooked the filet is on the inside. How do you want your Filet cooked? I like to cook filet mignon to medium rare…but I’m not going to judge you, if you want it cooked differently. However that is, it helps to know what internal temperature corresponds to what level of done-ness. So here you go: Rare Filet mignon: ~120 degrees Medium Rare: ~130 degrees Medium: ~140 degrees Medium Well: ~150 degrees Well Done: ~160 degrees So, now we know two things. First, we want to use direct heat to get a crisp crust on the outside. And second, we want to use indirect heat to bring the internal temperature up to the desired doneness. Time is the Critical Variable I like to start my filet mignon on a very hot pan or grill. About 3 minutes on each side to create that crust, without burning the steak. And that 3 minute time, is going to work whether the filet is thick or thin. However, once it’s seared, you vary the cooking time (with the indirect heat of an oven or closed grill) until the internal temp reaches the desired level.  A thin filet mignon, will likely have an internal temperature of 130 right after searing both sides. If you want it med-rare, you’d take it immediately off the heat. But a thick filet mignon will still be raw in the center, needed more time to reach medium-rare, and even longer to get to medium or well-done. The time will also vary depending on the temperature of your oven or grill. As a general rule, I plan on the internal temperature of the filet increasing about 10 degrees for every 3 – 4 minutes in the oven.  But, the safest, most accurate way to tell if you’re filet has cooked long enough is to use an instant read meat thermometer. And remember, once cooked, make sure to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving!

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prick each potato with a fork, 3-4 times. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until tender when pressed. Let rest until cool enough to handle. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add the bacon and sour cream. With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the flesh of the potato and add it to the the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the skin. (Leave a thin layer of potato intact all over the skin so that the filling has some support). Place the potato skins on a baking sheet. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes into the butter, bacon and sour cream. Add 1 cup of cheese, milk, seasoned salt, ¾’s of the green onions and black pepper. Mix well to combine.  Fill the potato shells evenly with the mashed potato mixture. Divide the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over top of each potato piece. Bake the potatoes once again until golden brown on top and heated through, about 20 minutes. Top evenly with the remaining scallions and a little more black pepper before serving.