Super Spud Success: Make Baked Potatoes on the Grill

Summer weather brings savory scents of barbecues. As your neighbors dust off their grills and fire up the coals to cook out, you may find yourself craving an al fresco meal as well.

Nothing spells warm weather like a special outdoor supper, with blackened fish, juicy char-broiled burgers and steaks, barbecued chicken and ribs, hearty pork chops and super shish-kebobs. Even the most devoted couch potatoes are tempted to head outdoors, once the local barbecues and grills have been fired up.

If you are barbecuing outdoors tonight, why not cook up your baked potatoes at the same time? You can save time, conserve energy, and keep your kitchen and home cool by preparing your favorite side dishes, such as baked potatoes, outdoors as well.

Grilling Great Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are easy to make on the grill. Scrub each potato well with a vegetable brush. Brand-new dish scrubbers or nail brushes are ideal for this purpose. Just be sure to keep these tools in the kitchen, so they do not become dirtied with other uses.

Pierce each potato a few times with a fork, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Double-wrapping helps on the grill, unless you use heavy-duty foil.

Place each foil-wrapped potato directly on the grill rack, and cook it until the pulp inside is soft and tender. You can test it by poking each potato with your grilling fork. On most grills, a baked potato will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your heat level.

Because the aluminum foil will become dark and tarnished on the grill you will want to remove it before serving your delicious grilled - baked potatoes at your super cookout or summer picnic.

Serving Grilled - Baked Potatoes

Grilled baked potatoes are ideal for a picnic or outdoor supper. They are nutritious and tasty, and they do not spoil in warm weather, as creamy, mayonnaise-rich potato or pasta salads may.

Place your grilled - baked potatoes on a large plate, in a big bowl, or in a lovely basket for serving.

Baked potatoes are delicious with plenty of butter or margarine, fresh sour cream or even shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.

Add a tossed salad or a big pail of steamed corn-on-the-cob, and your summer picnic or supper celebration is ready.

If you do not plan to serve your food immediately, you can re-wrap your grilled - baked potatoes in fresh aluminum foil until you are ready to sit down for your super al fresco meal.