I love to cook, but I have become a permanent resident in the kitchen this summer. My 13 year old is eating EVERYTHING! The other day we met some friends for family happy hour at a restaurant near a park. All the kids were playing at the park throwing the football and having a blast. And, all the adults were having cocktails and ordering small snacks to nibble on, but my son ordered a 12oz. steak, instead of playing football. He ate the entire thing then ordered fried calamari! He was at the other end of the table from me so I had no idea this was going on. So, I apologize to the other guests who split the tab with us…I owe ya!

After we got home from happy hour my son asked me to make him a sandwich-can you say puberty!!! I am at the grocery store every day. I love the grocery store, but this is getting ridiculous. But, since we are still up in Colorado I have had some time to try some new recipes in between food orders from the boys. Some of the recipes I have tried have been a total disaster, but some have turned out great. Here is a snack I made for the hollow leg people I live with. They loved it!

BBQ Stuffed Potato Skins

Makes 10 Servings

5 medium size Russet potatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 Green onions, chopped

1/2 lb. pulled pork or shredded brisket

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Salt and Pepper

Ranch dressing for dipping

Preheat oven to 425Â°

Scrub the potatoes and dry with paper towels.

Poke several holes in potatoes with a fork or knife.

In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with oil and salt and pepper. Place in oven, directly on the rack. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until tender.

Remove potatoes from oven and let cool slightly. Cut each potato in half. Using a spoon gently scrape out the middle of each skin. Be careful not to tear the crispy skin.

Save the removed baked potato flesh for baked potato soup or mashed potatoes.

Stuff each skin with BBQ and top with cheese.

Place back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Top with chives and serve with Ranch dressing or you can serve with sour cream.

Notes:

*By placing the potatoes directly on the rack it creates a crispier skin.

*You can use left over BBQ (pork, brisket, chicken) or you can buy the pre-made in the meat section of the grocery store. There are many brands such as Jack Daniel's, Lloyds, Costco...

* If you meat is too dry then drizzle a bit of BBQ sauce on it before stuffing into potato.