4 lg. or 8 med. potatoes
1 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter

Choose potatoes, even in size, for better baking. Peel. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each potato. Thinly slice potatoes crosswise but not all the way through. Use a ruler or wooden handle to keep the knife from cutting all the way through. Put potatoes on a baking dish. Fan slightly. Sprinkle with salt. Add topping of your choice (recipes follow). Dot with butter. Bake at 425 degrees for about 1 hour or until potatoes are lightly browned on top and soft inside. If potatoes are very big, reduce temperature to 400 degrees and increase baking time.

CHEESE TOPPING:

4 tbsp. grated cheese
1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Blend.

ONION TOPPING:

2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. chopped green onion or chives

Blend.

HERB TOPPING:

4 tsp. mixed dried herbs such as thyme marjoram, dill weed or basil leaves or 4 tbsp. chopped fresh herbs

Blend.

SPICY TOPPING:

1 - 2 tsp. paprika, curry powder, fennel or cumin

Top potato.