UPTOWN POTATO SKINS

Ingredients:

• -MAIN INGREDIENTS
• 12 Tiny red (new) potatoes
• -about 1-1/2" in diameter
• 2 c (to 4) peanut or corn oil
• 1/2 c Sour cream or creme fraiche
• -OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
• Salsa and chopped fresh
• -cilantro
• Crisp crumbled bacon and
• -minced scallions
• Caviar and minced chives

Preparation:

• Chopped ripe olives and finely shredded Cheddar cheese 1.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Pierce each potato with a fork and bake until tender, about 40 minutes.
• Let cool.
• 2.
• Halve potatoes.
• Cut a thin slice from the rounded bottom of each potato half so it will stand upright.
• Using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out center from each potato half, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick, reserve potato for another use.
• 3.
• In a wok or large heavy saucepan, heat oil to 360 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer.
• Cook potato shells, in batches without crowding, until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Drain on paper towels.
• (If made in advance, cover and refrigerate as long as 24 hours.
• ) 4.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Using a small spoon or a pastry ball fitted with a star, fill each potato cavity with 2 teaspoons sour cream. Arrange on a baking sheet and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes. Top with desired toppings and serve warm.