Alton Browns Baked Potato Food

THE BAKED POTATO

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
• Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. 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. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam.

ALTON BROWN'S SMOKED PAPRIKA CHICKEN AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Combine the olives, lemon zest and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Mix the smoked paprika, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and pepper into a paste in a large bowl.
• Lay the chicken thighs skin-side down. Using a pair of kitchen shears, make a cut down the length of the bone to expose it, then cut the meat away from the bone. Discard the bone.
• Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the olive mixture under the skin of each chicken thigh and rub paprika paste on each. Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on a cooling rack.
• Arrange the potato slices and onion pieces in an even layer on a foil-lined half sheet pan. (I also sprinkled left over paste on potatoes.).
• Place cooling rack over potatoes and bake until the skin is crispy and the potatoes are tender, 55 to 60 minutes. If you prefer the potatoes crispy, remove the rack with the chicken and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

ALTON BROWN'S RED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
• Cover with cold water and place over medium heat.
• Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
• Immediately reduce heat and remove lid.
• Gently simmer until potatoes are fork tender.
• Drain and place into an ice bath to cool.
• Remove skin by rubbing with a tea towel.
• Slice potatoes into rounds and place into a zip top bag.
• Add the vinegar and toss to coat all of the potatoes.
• Place the bag into the refrigerator overnight.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, tarragon, garlic, cornichons, onions, and celery.
• Once evenly combined, add the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
• Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.