Baked Potato with Corn, Pepper and Bacon

A great side dish to any meal.  The crisp bacon pairs beautifully with the corn and pepper for a decadent topping.  Based on a recipe from Food and Drink Autumn 2017.

4 large baking potatoes (Red if you are able to get them)
2 tbsp canola oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, diced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup diced roasted red pepper
1 tbsp chopped thyme or oregano
2 tbsp butter

• Preheat oven to 350F and arrange rack in centre.
• Place potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil; season to taste with salt and pepper (I omit the salt entirely). Place directly on rack and bake for 65 to 70 minutes or until tender.
• Meanwhile cook bacon in a large skillet over medium low heat until lightly crisped, about 8 minutes.  Remove with a slotted spoon and set bacon aside.  Measure out 1/4 cup drippings and return to pan; discard excess.
• Add garlic and corn to skillet, season with salt and pepper.  Cook for 4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Stir in roasted pepper, thyme and reserved bacon; cook an additional 4 minutes, stirring often, or until corn is tender.  Remove from heat, add butter and stir until melted.
• Split top of potatoes and fluff flesh with a fork; divide corn mixture between potatoes.

Serves 4