Caregivers in Zionsville, IN

When the cold weather hits, you want to serve foods that are warm, filling, and satisfying for those dark, chilly nights when curling up for some relaxation and quality time with your loved ones sounds perfect. As a family caregiver, however, you do not want your desire for something rich and satisfying to completely throw you off your nutritional goals. You still want to give your seniors the nutrients that their bodies need to stay healthy, strong, and functioning properly.

This recipe is for twice-baked potatoes that are delicious and indulgent, but still pack good nutrition so that you feel good about serving them as a meal all their own, or on the side of a serving of lean protein for a larger meal. The potatoes themselves are a fantastic source of dietary fiber and vitamins, and are very filling, while the cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits offer protein. The dairy products also provide calcium for even more nutrition.

One of the best parts about this meal is that it is highly customizable. If you have a vegetarian in the family or someone who simply does not like bacon, omit the bacon bits. Replace the bacon with small pieces of chopped cooked chicken breast for lean protein, or add chopped broccoli for extra nutrition and fiber.
What You Will Need

• Fresh ground black pepper
• 3 green onions
• 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 cup of cheddar or Jack cheese, plus more set aside for topping
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of bacon bits
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons of canola oil
• 8 baking potatoes
• A sharp knife
• A baking sheet
• A large mixing bowl

What to Do

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
• Use the sharp knife to slice the green onions and set aside
• Wash the baking potatoes and place on the baking sheet
• Rub the potatoes with the canola oil
• Place the potatoes in the oven
• Bake the potatoes for 1 hour, until they are completely cooked through
• Slice the butter into pats
• Add the bacon bits, sour cream and butter into the large mixing bowl
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and lower the heat to 350 degrees F
• Using the sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise
• Scrap out the insides of each potato gently into the mixing bowl, being sure not to tear the shell
• Leave a small rim of the potato in the shell for support
• Smash the potatoes into the butter, sour cream and bacon
• Add the cheese, seasoned salt, milk, black pepper to taste and green onions to the potatoes
• Mix until well incorporated
• Fill each shell with the potato mixture, until almost overflowing
• Top each potato with a bit of extra grated cheese
• Place the potatoes in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potato is warmed all the way through
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for just a minute
• Serve still hot

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable help for family caregivers in Zionsville, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.