Jacket Potato with Bacon, Mushroom, and Peppercorn Sauce

It's not hard to see why this appetizer is part of TV chef Paula Deen's favorite Valentine's Day menu.

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

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You Will Need
12 ounces bacon, chopped
4 medium-sized russet or other baking potatoes, well scrubbed
8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
1 tablespoon green peppercorns, drenched in cold water
1/4 cup brandy
1 cup cream
salt and pepper
butter, for topping

What to Do
POTATO:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prick potatoes with a fork and bake until soft, about 1 hour.

Sauté bacon, add button mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Pour brandy first into a measuring cup (for safety) and then into the pan and carefully ignite with a long match. After the alcohol burns off and the flame has died, stir in the peppercorns. Stir in the cream and heat through, without boiling. Salt and pepper to taste.

Cut open baked potatoes. Top each with a spoonful of butter, then cover generously with sauce.

Yield: 4
Cooking time: 1 Hour, 5 Minutes Ease of Preparation: Easy

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