Best Baked Potato

Ingredients

• 1 large russet potato
• canola oil
• kosher salt

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds.

2. 2

   Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water.

3. 3

   Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking.

4. 4

   Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil.

5. 5

   Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven.

6. 6

   Place a baking sheet (I put a piece of aluminum foil) on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

7. 7

   Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft.

8. 8

   Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another.

9. 9

   It will pop right open.

10. 10

    But watch out, there will be some steam.

11. 11

    NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.