If you like garlic, make an incision at either end of the potato and slip in half a clove of garlic before baking.
Serves 6
6 large floury-variety potatoes
At least 2 oz (50 g) butter per potato
salt, pepper
Pre-heat oven to 425F/220C/gas mark 7.
Scrub the potatoes and pierce with a fork or make some sort of slit to allow the steam to escape.
Place in the middle of the oven and cook for between 1 and 1 1/2 hours.
Serve instantly with plenty of butter, salt and pepper.