007 Twice Baked Potatoes

Serves 8.

Ingredients:

4 russet potatoes, scrubbed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (separated)

1 cup La Crema Mexicana (or ½ c sour cream + ½ c half and half)

1-2 cups cheddar cheese

6 slices microwave bacon (cooked and crumbled)

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake potatoes for about 1 hour (until soft).

Slice potatoes length wise. Scoop out the center, leaving about ¼ inch around the sides (so the potatoes have a nice, stable shell).

Place the cooked potato into a bowl. Mash until soft. Add 3 tablespoons butter, 1 cup cream, 1-2 cups cheese (depending on preference), bacon crumbles, and minced onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Spoon filling back into the potato shells. Scrape fork tines gently across the top of each filled potato to give it a rough texture. Using remaining butter, dot each filled potato with butter.

Bake again at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes (or until lightly browned on top).

Marie's tip: I call these "007" potatoes because I use two secret ingredients: La Crema Mexicana and the microwave bacon. The cream adds a great flavor and texture, and the bacon makes preparation a whole lot easier!