Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Baked Potato with Egg, Cheese and Ham







I've become a better cook since I started blogging two and a half years ago.  I cook more than I did before I started so that has something to do with it, and I find it almost impossible to believe that I am writing my 348th post.  I've tried many recipes and ingredients that are new to me and always am excited when I find "a winner" that  I know my family will enjoy over and over. But I'm equally as happy when I find a new way to use the everyday foods that my family loves. I knew I found a winner in this category when I recently visited Ann at Thibeault's Table. I've tried many of Ann's wonderful recipes and appreciate her straight forward cooking style that brings out the goodness of the ingredients she uses.  If you haven't met Ann I do hope you will stop by for a visit.

In this recipe Ann removes the top third of a small hot baked potato (sliced horizontally) and carefully scoops out the center.  Leave about 1/4 inch of potato so the shell is firm and stable.  Add a bit of butter, about 1/2 teaspoon, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, an egg, chopped ham and a tablespoon or two of cream. Top with freshly ground black pepper and bake at 400 degrees until egg is set.  It keeps cooking after it's removed from the oven so take it out when the center is still slightly jiggly. Top with thinly sliced scallions.

I love this dish for its simplicity and familiarity and know it will be a regular menu item in my home.  Next time I may try adding a bit of spinach and Swiss cheese to the egg instead of cheddar. Or a little salsa would be delicious too.  Thanks, Ann, for a terrific new way to serve some of our favorite foods.

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47 comments:

  1. Heather S-GJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Yum, theses look amazing!

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  2. CarolineJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    I visit both your site and Ann's site regularly because your recipes are easy, straight-forward and always delicious! This looks like another winner! Thanks for always sharing great food!

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  3. La Table De NanaJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I loved that too when I saw it!! Good for you! I will one day make this too..You did her proud

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  4. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    Cathy...firstly, LOVE Ann's blog and recipes and secondly, YUM!! I will be making these for sure!

    Isn't blogging cool?! I am always scouting for recipes to try and pass along...I did that before blogging but it is nice having the motivation blogging gives...and so many bloggy buddies who are great cooks helps too :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  5. Big DudeJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Cathy - I found Ann's blog on yours and when I visited, this meal jumped out at me as well, and I had it a few days ago - it's in the queue to be posted tomorrow. Your shot is much better than mine and makes me want to go make it again today.

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  6. Deb @ Lavender Garden CottageJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Yummy! Makes me hungry just looking at it!

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  7. RitaJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Saving this recipe; looks fantastic! What a comfort food meal; easy and full of goodness.

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  8. The JRJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    That's a gorgeous picture. The potato looks fantastic.

    I know reading food blogs has definately broadened my cooking.

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  9. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    I adore a good stuffed potato Cathy and this one sure fits the bill. Baked potatoes are my go-to comfort food. I'll check out Ann's blog right away.

    I totally agree that reading food blogs has improved my cooking and presentation skills too.
    Sam

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  10. Valerie Harrison (bellini)January 19, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I do love this idea. It is a meal in one perfect and nutricious packet.

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  11. Carol at SerendipityJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Cathy,
    Oh, how wonderful!!

    I am more aware of my cooking now but what I like most about the blogging is the challenge of the photography. Great picture of Baked Potato.

    Carol

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  12. KristenJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I have definitely gotten to be a better cook by reading other blogs and also blogging about recipes myself. I love it! This recipe looks really good - I have a question, though. Do you add the inside of the potato back in? Or just scoop out the middle and then pour/add the extras in the hollow?

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Thedse are stunning filled Jacked Potatoes! I love your creamy & tasty filling,...mmmmmmmm!

    I just moved my blog to wordpress.com/ Come over & check me out! You may want to update your RSS!!

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  14. PamJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Bookmarked! What a fantastic idea - I can't wait to make this one Cathy.

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  15. Flavia GalassoJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Wow...when i read the title i supposed it to be a flan or somenthing like that...instead it' s a great surprise...to past and copy!!!

    Have a nice day, hugs, Flavia

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  16. Thibeault's TableJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    You are welcome Cathy. And thank you for sharing it here on your blog. Your picture is perfect. Takes it to a whole other level.

    Creamed spinach would be a wonderful addition. I also like the idea of topping the stuffed potato with a Hollandaise sauce.

    Ann

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  17. LindaJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Oh my....all I can say is YUMMMMMMMmmmmmmm.

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  18. PeggyRJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    This looks really good. I love bakes potatoes. I love blogging and all the new friends I've made.

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  19. pigpigscornerJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I used to eat this a lot, so simple and satisfying!

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  20. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Cathy, you are sinful to post this. Now, I have to go eat something! It's the power of suggestion, my friend. LOL! Looks delicious.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  21. LynnJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    Your pic is beautiful! (and I'm not just saying that because it's dinner time:@) I've tried this once and really did enjoy it, thanks for the reminder!

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  22. teresaJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    isn't blogging great! i push myself to try new things way more then i would if i wasn't blogging. i love your posts!

    this looks incredible! i'm not a breakfast person, but i would happily hop out of bed for this!

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  23. ErinJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    348th post? Holy smokes! That's a lot. And all of the delicious! You have always been an amazing cook!

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  24. SavoringTime in the KitchenJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    This would be a wonderful meal in itself! I love the delicious mix of flavors.

    Wow, 348 posts! Congratulations, Cathy!

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  25. The Food HoundJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    348 posts, you go girl! I know what you mean about cooking more than you ever thought you would! I will definitely check out Ann's blog-- always in the mood to read great talent!

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  26. VickieJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    THis looks like a sure winner for my guys - thanks for sharing this one! You always have the most gorgeous photos.

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  27. LorraineJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Oh yum! This sounds delicious and would make a perfect and flavor-filled lunch for me:)

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  28. Kathy WalkerJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Mmmmm...another hit! This sounds delicious.

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  29. FoodiewifeJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    I love Ann's food blog, too. I'm a spud lover and I am saving this recipe to add to my rotation. I keep forgetting how versatile baked spuds can be. This one would be a perfect dinner for me. I agree that food blogging has made me challenge myself to cook great recipes. It shows in your beautiful photography and tasty dishes.

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  30. Red Nomad OZJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    It's almost TOO easy, isn't it? But then, the best things usually are!

    Happy travels!!

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  31. JanineJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    I saw this over at Ann's site too... Looks amazing! A great Sunday morning brunch...

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  32. JeannieJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Looks good and great as a side dish or a main meal for something light!

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  33. VelvaJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Larry and you are working on the same wave length :-) If I am not mistaken he got the idea from you.

    What a great breakfast...What am I saying? Not just breakfast, lunch or dinner too.

    Awesome.
    Velva

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  34. Ciao Chow LindaJanuary 20, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    That's practically a meal all in itself. Twice-baked potatoes taken a step further.

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  35. BarbaraJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I like Ann's blog too, Cathy. I can't tell you how many recipes I've copied. This looks wonderful. It's a full meal in a potato!

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  36. scrambledhenfruitJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I need one of these asap! :) Am going to visit Ann's blog now- thanks!

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  37. Barbara BakesJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    This is a dish that would be great anytime of day. Fun idea!

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  38. theUngourmetJanuary 20, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    These potatoes look fantastic, Cathy! I've been on the hunt for breakfast/brunch inspiration. I know these would be a hit at my house at any meal.

    I feel the same as you, I've definitely learned and grown in my knowledge and abilities since I began my blog. It sure is a lot of fun, isn't it?! ;)

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  39. KathleenJanuary 21, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    We have a fast food place here where you can order your choice of fillings in your baked potato. It was a great little lunch!
    Looks good, Cathy, and I hope you are feeling better.

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  40. AmyJanuary 21, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Hi Cathy, Happy (early) Birthday to you! May all your birthday wishes come true and have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Thanks for stopping by my blog to leave a comment. :)

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  41. chow and chatterJanuary 21, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    yum my kind of spud thanks for the congrats :-)

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  42. tasteofbeirutJanuary 22, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Made that same dish once and we loved it! thanks for reminding me about it!

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  43. From the KitchenJanuary 22, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    We are big fans of stuffed potatoes. I've never done one with an egg before. Why not? It looks delicious--like a mini-individual brunch casserole or a light supper. It's on my list. Now I'm going over to meet Ann!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  44. KarenJanuary 22, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    This would be great for breakfast - neat idea!

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  45. RitaJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Great meal we had last night; thanks for the comofort food recipe.

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  46. BeckyJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  47. BeckyJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Cathy, I made a vegetarian version of this recipe for our breakfast this morning. It was so good. Mike had salsa on his and said it's a keeper. And I agree about becoming a better cook since I started blogging.

    http://decolady-randommusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/potato-boats-with-egg-and-cheddar.html

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Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you enjoyed my blog and will leave a comment or two. And come back again of course ~ Cathy