re: Microwave Baked Potato Bag (AKA Tater Bag)

Hi Louise,

It turns out the potato bags can be a fire hazard in the microwave. I've looked around the net at discussions regarding the bags and I found comments that even a major fabric store chain that published the pattern sent a memo to their stores about the potential for fire. The materials used to make the bags may ignite and then there's also mention of the problem of fumes from the materials, etc., etc.

Here's a recipe for 15 minute baked potatoes using the microwave and oven:

Preheat the oven to 400F. Wash a baking potato. Slice it in half lengthwise such that you have the longest, flattest halves possible. Put them on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high about 4 minutes. Remove from oven, blot off any excess moisture with a paper towel, then spread butter on the cut sides of potatoes. Add a bit of salt and pepper. Place potato halves butter side down on a baking pan. Bake about 10 minutes, or until potato is tender when pierced with a sharp knife. Remove from oven; the cut sides of potato halves should be crispy and golden brown. You can eat with a knife and fork, or let cool a few minutes, and eat with your fingers. Add extra butter or sour cream if you like. Not as quick as a 7-minute cook in the microwave, but a heckuva lot quicker than baking, and a heckuva lot better than just cooking in the microwave. For me, it's a good compromise. (If you have even more time, you can skip the microwave step and simply cook the potato halves for 30-45 minutes. Baking temp can also be flexible if you're cooking something else at the same time.) Source: rec.food.cooking/Chris and Bob Neidecker/2003

Happy Holiday Cooking!

Betsy