Debbie.D.,.AL (3:21:57 PM) :

This recipe is from Diane Mott Davidson's PRIME CUT. If you've never read any of her books, you should! They are chock full of recipes!

SLUMBER PARTY POTATOES

4 large baking potates
2 T. (1/4 stick) butter
3 T. all-purpose flour
1 T. chicken broth granules
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1 pound fresh broccoli, trimmed of stems and separated into florets, lightly steamed
1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp, drained and chopped

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Scrub and prick the potatoes in 3 or 4 places with a fork. Bake them for about 1 hour, or until flaky.

While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Stir in the flour; cook and stir just until the flour bubbles, 2 or 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth granules, stir, and then gently whisk in the milk. Heat and stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 10 mintues. Add the cheese and stir until it melts, 2 or 3 mintues.

Split each of the hot potatoes in half and place them on a platter. Place the steamed broccoli florets and chopped bacon into bowls. Pour the cheese sauce into a large gravy boat. Diners serve themselves assemly-line style, ending with the cheese sauce.

Makes 4-8 servings