Two Side Dishes = One Dinner

Mmm, who doesn't love a baked potato? "I've never met a potato I didn't like," so my Dad says...rightly so as a matter of fact.  We don't eat too many potatoes in our house, the starch content is a bit much on a regular basis.  So we decided to make a meal out of it with a little pasta salad on the side.

First, preheat oven to 400deg. Then, poke a few holes in a clean, scrubbed potato with a fork.  Place directly on your oven's middle rack and bake for 45-60 minutes.  
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, drain and let cool.  Here is the recipe for the Gazpacho Pasta Salad with Tomato-Lime Dressing [we left out olives because once again, we're not fans].  While your potatoes are baking make the pasta salad.  It was good, but I think it needs a little red-wine vinegar to give it the side dish kick.  Next time, I'll be sure to add some.  

When your potatoes are finished, let stand for about 10 minutes or until they are ready to handle.  Slice lengthwise and gently scrap the pulp from the skins - don't discard! Place pulp in a bowl with any assortment of cheese, butter, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, chives/scallions, s/p, etc. Whatever you like in your mashed potatoes, use here.  Spoon mixture back into potato skins and sprinkle with some sharp cheddar and scallions.  
It's really important to take the the time to bake your potatoes.  Don't rush them! 45 minutes is the minimum here, which gives you plenty of time to prepare another side dish or have a glass of wine and relax. Enjoy!