i almost burned the house down

ten points goes to whoever can figure out what these were. 

yah. potatoes. blackened. 

i put them in the oven at 3pm, with the intention of taking them out at 3:30 before we left for leah's checkup. about a half hour into her checkup - an hour and a half after i put them in the oven - i gasped. they were still in the oven. and the oven was still heated to 425 degrees.

as i rush home, i frantically call ryan {who is also on his way home via a ride from our awesome friends}: "if you get home before me, PLEASE take the potatoes out of the oven and turn the oven off...that is, if we still have an oven. or a home." 

i got home probably two minutes before ryan around 5:15. opened the door to the smell of burning wafting through our house. smoke was coming out of the burners on the stove and the potatoes looked, well, you know. they were light as a feather. there was nothing in them. 

and so we went out to eat. shrimp tacos never tasted so good. 

and if you're wondering what i was planning to serve my family for dinner, here is the recipe. it's terribly delicious and is a staple at our house. i ended up making it last night. and the potatoes weren't nearly so well done. 

baked potato soup

3-4 potatoes, large (baked and cooked beforehand...but not burned)

2/3 cup flour

2/3 cup butter

3-4 cups milk

1/2-1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

4 green onions, chopped

12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbed (i actually chop up ham and fry it until it's crisp)

8 oz. sour cream

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1. bake potatoes at 400 degrees for 1 hour. Cool, then cut into bite sized pieces.

2. Melt butter in sauce pan and add flour. Mix completely, whisking out lumps. Cook for about a minute, then add milk one cup at a time and stir until bubbly.

3. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, green onions, and bacon or ham. Cook until hot then add sour cream and cheese. Can add more milk, if necessary. 

4. Can serve with extra green onions, bacon/ham and cheese sprinkled on top.