Need a Quick Christmas Gift? Make a Microwave Potato Bag
/Who doesn’t love a baked potato? They’re my go-to dinner for those days when I want something warm, filling, and comforting. But I don’t always have the 45 minutes needed to bake one in my oven so I turn to my microwave. With practically zero effort, my potato is ready to eat in less than ten minutes. The only problem with microwaving potatoes is they lose too much moisture in the process. (When you’re in the mood for a baked potato, a dried-out spud just won’t do.) Solution—cook it in my microwave potato bag!
This bag can microwave up to four potatoes.
The microwave potato bag is a DIY-take on a baked potato cooking method that’s probably been around as long as household microwave ovens—microwaving potatoes in plastic sandwich bags. Although people have been using this technique for years, I’d rather avoid unnecessary plastic and BPA. A simple handmade all cotton baked potato bag seems like a much better way—it keeps the moisture in while the potato cooks, it’s washable and reusable, and BPA free. The potatoes come out perfectly delicious each and every time.
The bag also makes a great gift for family and friends. I’ve decided to add this to my Christmas gift making this year. Here’s how to make one or several.
Materials
2 fabrics- lining and outside each measuring 22″ X 12″. I use 100% quilting fabric for the outer layer and 100% muslin for the lining.
100% cotton batting (anything other will burn in the microwave!) measuring 22” x 12”
100% cotton thread
Instructions
Step One
Layer your batting and lining fabric with the wrong sides together. It is difficult to determine which side of the fabric is which so just pick one. (The side you attach the batting to will be the wrong side.) Sew three lines of stitching across the 12 inch width. This will keep the batting from bunching and moving inside the finished bag.
Quilt the batting to the lining fabric with a few quick lines of stitches.
Step Two
Layer the lining (with the attached batting and the outer fabric right sides together. Using a 3/8 inch seam allowance, sew the piece together across the 12 inch width. Repeat for the opposite side. Trim to 1/4 inch allowance
Lay the pieces right sides together. The batting is on the bottom.
Trim the two sewn edges.
Step Three
Turn the piece right side out. Match up the long sides and trim it evenly. Run a top stitch along the top and bottom sewn edges.
Top stitch the top and bottom edges.
Step Four
Turn one of these edges down 2-1/2 inches(right sides together.) Zig-zag the long edges. You will sew the turned down section.
Turn one of the 12 inch ends down 2-1/2 inches to form a cuff.
Step Five
Fold up the bottom to cover the turned down section by 1 inch. Sew the side seams using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Remember to back stitch at the beginning and the end.
Step Six
Turn the bag right side out. Poke out the corners and you are all done.
These make great gifts for single guys, college students and just about anyone else on your list.
The tutorial above shows you how to sew the bag, but it doesn’t tell you how to bake the potato. In case you’re not familiar with the process, here’s how I microwave mine.
Bake your first potato! How to Bake a Potato in a Microwave:
Step 1: Scrub the skin of the potato thoroughly with a vegetable brush.
Step 2: Dry the potato off with a towel.
Step 3: Wrap the potato loosely in a paper towel and insert it into a baked potato bag.
Step 4: Microwave at full power 4 minutes. Then carefully turn the potato over and microwave at full power for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Carefully remove the potato from the microwave and the bag. Cut it open, add your favorite baked potato toppings, and enjoy!
The potato is fully cooked when soft in the center. Feel free to adjust the time to according to your own microwave and the size of your potato.
Microwaves will vary, but here is an approximate time calculator.
2 Large Russet Potatoes: 8 minutes
2 Large Red Potatoes: 8 minutes
3 Medium Bread Rolls: 20 seconds
2 Medium Sweet Potatoes: 10 minutes
2 Large Corn Cobs: 3 minutes
4 Tortillas: 30 seconds
For gift giving it is nice to add a simple tag with instructions. Here is one I like to use: Tag
Need another quick project?
