baked@potatoes.ca

The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker is an excellent source of know-how. I like the instructions on baked potatoes where I learnt not to prick them until the are half way done.

The best baked potatoes are flaky when served [...] The present rage for wrapping potatoes in foil will not allow them to become flaky as too much moisture is retained. [...] Bake the potatoes for 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon their size. When potatoes are 1/2 done, pull out rack, quickly puncture skin once with fork, permitting steam to escape. Return to oven and finish baking.