Mexican Potato Bake

*notice the handy dandy toaster oven?!

Why do potatoes always get such a bad wrap? No matter who you talk to if you mention potatoes as a healthy food they think your crazy. I'm here to advocate for my friend "the spud." Not only has he provided countless meals for my husband and I, he has always been faithful in being less expensive and readily available! Sadly potatoes are known to be unhealthy because a majority of people eat them as french fries, potato chips, or massively loaded baked potatoes. Leave it up to us to make something that is actually really good for you into a typical grease fest. YUCK! To much surprise, the potato actually packs a healthy punch of vitamin b6, fiber, and much more! For those who are interested, Vitamin B6 is necessary for the creation of many neurotransmitters including serotonin-which makes you happy :), melatonin- helps you sleep :)zzz, and epinephrine- helps you respond to stress : O ! When you get all happy and eat a potato, make sure you eat the skin as well (after washing of course!) That skin contains concentrated amounts of fiber which we all know helps with cardiovascular and digestive health! More than that, recent research has shown that the skin on potatoes rivals the phytochemicals found in broccoli, spinach, and brussle sprouts, with over 60 phytochemicals and vitamins woohoo!! More on potatoes health benefits check out this website!! POTATOES!

After strolling through Kroger the other day i spotted a sale on yellow potatoes which we like more because the skin is more manageable to eat! I also had a big craving for Mexican food (when do I not?!) so the potatoes and my love for Mexican came together in a self-created dish I call- Mexican Potato Bake! Here is one recipe that you can incorporate the healthy potato with healthy toppings to make a great meal! Wow I sound like a potato commercial don't I???

Mexican Potato Bake

Ingredients-

2 1/2 lbs of yellow potatoes (carefully washed)

garlic powder

cumin

salt

pepper

chili powder

olive oil spray

salsa

avocado (or guacamole if you don't feel like smashing it yourself)

yogurt

ground chicken or turkey

low fat cheese (or veggie cheese if your lactose intolerant!)

Directions-

1. Slice the potatoes in 1/2 inch slices and arrange slices on a olive oil sprayed baking sheet.

2. Sprinkle the potatoes with all the spices until they look happy and colorful!

3. Bake in a 350 degree oven until soft and a little brown.

4. While baking, cook your ground meat on stove until fully cooked and towards the end sprinkle in more of the same spices you put on the potatoes.

5. Pull potatoes out of oven, turn up oven to broil, top potatoes with your choice of toppings and broil for about 3-5 minutes!

Topping Ideas:

I topped P's with wholly queso (found in the natural refrigerated section), the ground meat, salsa, and a bit of yogurt.

I topped mine with veggie cheese, salsa, veggie ground meat, and guacamole.

*I would recommend not putting the guac or yogurt on until after all toppings have been heated!

One last interesting fact of the friendly spud- The Potato has been Grown in Space!! In 1995, potato plants were taken into space with the space shuttle Columbia. This marked the first time any food was ever grown in space.