Eating well

A popular app to serve at your next party

METRO -- Whether you're hosting family for the holidays or inviting friends over for the big game, food figures to feature prominently when welcoming people into your home. Entrees may garner a lot of the culinary glory, but appetizers can start a gathering off with a bang.

There's no shortage of appetizer options when planning a menu for a gathering at home. But it's important to consider potential food allergies before settling on the menu. It's generally best to avoid foods with nuts, and shellfish also might be off-limits for many guests. Potatoes are a popular comfort food that also can be incorporated into the pre-meal menu. With that in mind, hosts can consider this Lines+Angles recipe for "Baked Potato Skins With Bacon and Spring Onions."

Baked Potato Skins With

Bacon and Spring Onions

Makes 4 Portions

6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed

Vegetable oil

4 finely chopped strips of bacon

4 chopped spring onions

8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400F.

2. Rub the potatoes with a little oil and bake in the oven for one hour or until soft and tender.

3. While the potatoes are cooking, gently fry the bacon in a little oil until lightly browned.

4. Cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh and brush the insides of the skins with a little oil. Place the potato skins on a baking sheet and add the bacon, spring onions and cheese.

5. Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes and serve immediately.