Twice-baked Pesto Potatoes

These are the ultimate, low-fat comfort potatoes: hot, fluffy, and fun to eat. While these take a little patience while baking, they require few ingredients and make fabulous leftovers.

4 large russet potatoes, washed, skins-on

15 fresh basil leaves

4 large chard leaves, end stems trimmed, chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 cup non-dairy milk or water

Pine nuts or scallions to garnish (optional)

1. Cook potatoes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke your washed potatoes with a knife a few times each. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 60 minutes, until easily pierced to the center with a knife (you do not need to wrap them in foil).

2. Prepare potatoes: Remove the potatoes and let cool on a counter or cutting board for at least 10 minutes; then cut in half lengthwise (using a napkin to hold them if still too hot) and with a soup spoon, gently scoop out the potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato intact closest to the skin (to help the potato shell maintain its shape).

3. Make pesto: Place the basil leaves, chard, minced garlic and non-dairy milk or water into your processor and blend until smooth. Add this to the bowl of potatoes, and mix with a fork, whisk or electric blender until fluffy and mixed through (do not use your food processor, as it over-mixes it and creates a creamy texture instead of a fluffy one). Add water or milk as needed.

4. Fill and cook potatoes: Spoon the potato mixture into the potato skins, making sure that they are evenly filled among the 8 halves. If you wish, you can glide a fork over the top to give a textured leaf effect. Place potatoes back on your baking sheet and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned on the tips. Serve with a sprinkling of pine nuts, and/or chopped scallions or tomatoes.