These are delicious and I usually treble this recipe at least, and freeze them individually.
Serves 4
4 large baking potatoes
4 leeks, white and pale green part only
6 to 8 oz mature cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (not pre-grated)
1 Boursin cheese, the one called “ail & fines herbes” at room temp. See picture, if you don’t know the cheese.
4 tbsp cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bunch chives, finely chopped
4 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Preheat the oven to 400 F
Wash the potatoes and put them straight onto the top oven rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are soft in the middle. Test with a skewer.
Remove from the oven and set aside until they are a little cooler.
When cool enough to handle, cut the baked potatoes in half lengthways protecting your hands with a towel, and scoop out the centers, leaving a little to line the potato so it still keeps it’s shape.
Put the potato into a large bowl and add the cream, Boursin, chives, parsley, salt and pepper. Mash the potato until as smooth as possible, then add 4 oz of the grated cheddar cheese, scallions and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
Meanwhile to prepare the leeks, trim the ends then cut them lengthwise down the middle. Cut across widthwise in 1/4 inch slices. Put into a colander and wash thoroughly to get rid of any grit. Drain.
Put 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil into a frying pan and over medium heat add the chopped leeks and garlic. Stir, coating with the butter and oil and saute until softened. Watch they don’t burn.
When soft, tip them into the bowl with the other ingredients and mix well.
Stuff the empty potato shells with the mixture, topping with a little salt and pepper and grated cheese. Put the potato halves onto a shallow baking tray and bake for 20 to 30 minutes in the oven until hot and bubbling and enjoy.