Ingredients

• 4 medium to large baking potatoes, like russets, washed
• A drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (1 turn around the pan) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1/2 pound baked ham from a deli, sliced 1/8-inch thick, cut into 2-inch thick strips
• 1/2 pound Gruyere, shredded, about 2 cups
• 2 tablespoons butter, in small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only, chopped to about 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper
• Tossed and dressed salad, as an accompaniment
• Dark bread (pumpernickel, multi-grain, or dark rye), as an accompaniment
• Butter

Instructions

1. Rub potatoes with a drizzle of oil and pierce skins with the tines of a fork. Microwave on high 12 minutes or until tender.
2. While the potatoes cook in the microwave, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and saute chopped shallots 2 to 3 minutes or until bits are just tender. Set aside.
3. Cool potatoes for 5 minutes, split potatoes down the center, and scrape flesh into a bowl. Set skins aside on a non-stick baking sheet. Preheat broiler to high with oven rack 6-inches from the heat source.
4. To the cooked potato in the mixing bowl, add shallots, ham strips, grated cheese, butter, milk or half-and-half, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mash mixture with a potato masher or dinner fork until mixture is combined, but not entirely lump-free.
5. Scoop mixture in even amounts into skins and broil 2 or 3 minutes to lightly brown stuffed potatoes on top. Serve the halves of stuffed potatoes with salad, dark bread, and butter.
6. Serving suggestions: .