Microwave Baked Potatoes

Every now and again I get on a baked potato kick. They rank up there with pizza and sandwiches for being customizable. Healthy, cheap, and fast, what's not to love?

Fast? Fast? What is she thinking? Some of you may not be familiar with the potato bag. My best friend thought I was nuts when I said I would have baked potatoes on the table in less than 10 minutes.  For a wee tiny bit of fabric and batting you can make one of these bags in just a few minutes with very basic sewing skills. Here's a tutorial HERE and HERE.

Toppings can be as varied as your imagination. Here's some ideas to get you started.

• Ham and Cheese
• Chili ( with or without cheese)
• Salsa and sour cream
• Broccoli and cheese
• Tomato sauce and parm cheese
• Bacon bits, cheese, and sour cream
• Black beans, salsa, and cheese
• Chopped chicken and cheese
• Pesto 

Yummy dinner! Excellent way to use up leftover bits from supper the night before too.
And by the way, I am sure you could whip up a few extra potato bags for gifts now couldn't you?

Fruit Leather (AKA fruit rollups)

Fruit snacks, must be healthy right? Especially with the labels proclaiming fat free! gluten free! made with real juice! Wrong. Those little packets are basically fruit flavored sugar and preservatives. Don't get me wrong, there is a few brands that are a bit better. But why spend that much money on something you can make yourself that is less expensive, healthier, and only actually has fruit in it?

I have made these since I was a wee sprite and they taste great and hold up well to backpacks and gymbags alike.

Fruit Leather

4  c strawberries or whatever fruit is in season

Preheat your oven to 150°F (or as low as your oven will go). Line an 11-by-17 cookie sheet with a Silpat baking mat. If you don't have one, use parchment paper, although a Silpat will offer better results.

Wash, dry, and cut up four cups of strawberries (or other in-season fruit of your choice, such as peaches, bananas, or raspberries; frozen fruit works, too). Place in a food processor or blender.
Puree the fruit until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.

Pour the pureed fruit onto the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly. Carefully slide the pan into the oven, and bake for eight hours (or six to seven hours if your oven is at a slightly higher temperature).

Remove the pan once the fruit is set and still slightly tacky. Be careful not to overcook, as you'll end up with fruit chips instead of fruit leather.

Once the fruit has cooled to room temperature, slowly peel it off the mat or parchment paper. Lay it on a cutting board, and use a knife to cut out 12 portions; store in an airtight container

I have used a dehydrator for these too, especially if you have the solid tray for wet foods. Times vary depending on season and humidity where you are but you will get the hang of it quickly.

I think they taste much much better and are packed with energy and vitamins. 

Old- fashioned Sugar Cookies

When I am stuck in the house with the kids every now and again we like to make a project out of baking something. These cookies are easy and delicious and pretty much foolproof. The boys help make the little balls and flatten them. They are smooshing experts, believe me. At holidays we get fancy with different colored sugars to sprinkle on top but usually just a sprinkle of regular white sugar will dress them up.

 

Sugar cookies

makes 3 dozen

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
3 cups flour
pinch salt


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
Add baking powder,salt, and flour 1 cup at a time.
Do not chill dough.
Portion into small balls.
Flatten on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 8 minutes or until light golden brown.
Let cool a couple minutes before moving to a cooling rack so they don't fall apart.



Not the healthiest snack but the occasional treat is a nice indulgence. Enjoy!