Canadian Bacon and Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes

In need of comfort food at its finest and easiest? Here you have it. Big baked potatoes loaded with broccoli, cheese, and a bit of bacon (Canadian, that is) really hit the spot when you need a soothing supper.

These don't require a lot of comment - there's nothing overly decadent here, in spite of what your taste buds will tell you when you take a bite. Use good quality cheese, and don't overcook the broccoli, and you'll be golden.

Canadian Bacon and Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes
adapted from Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book
serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

2 large baking potatoes
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
cooking spray
3 pieces of Canadian bacon (or turkey bacon)
1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat toaster oven (or oven) to 425. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Scrub the potatoes and pierce them several times, then place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Set aside to cool.

2. While the potatoes cool, spray a skillet with cooking spray and cook the Canadian bacon over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until browned. Let cool, then dice the bacon and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, bring about an inch of water to a boil and salt it. Blanch the broccoli for about a minute or two, just to take the edge off. Drain and put the broccoli in a bowl. Add the diced Canadian bacon, broth, and scallion.

4. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut in half length-wise and scoop out most of the potato flesh, just leaving enough to maintain a thin shell. Add the potato flesh to the bowl with the broccoli and stir it up to combine. Add about half the cheese and stir. Fill the potato skins with the mixture, dividing fairly evenly among them. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve.

A balanced meal stuffed inside a beautiful vehicle - the potato. Enjoy!