Gene Stallings Twice Baked Potatoes

One of best recipes I’ve collected from my mother-in-law is for Gene Stallings Twice Baked Potatoes.  I remember the first Thanksgiving I had these at the Schell’s home.  Unbelievable.  My mother in law got the recipe out of the newspaper years ago and they have become a tradition at the holidays.  I spread the love to my family several years ago and now my mother makes them too.

For those of you not residing in Texas (or for those who do but because of some gene mutation do not follow football), Gene Stallings is a Sports Hall of Fame coach.  A legend in these parts.  He was head coach of the Aggies for years and in 1972 joined the staff of the Dallas Cowboys under Coach Tom Landry.

Two weeks ago, Husband was traveling home from NYC and he had the privilege of talking with none other than Gene Stallings at the airport.  They chatted for a while and Husband learned that the famous potato recipe bearing Stallings’ name indeed came from his wife.  Mr. Stallings was kind to sign a business card inscribed to my mother-in-law that reads:

Keep making those potatoes!

Gene Stallings

I’m in charge of making the potatoes this year.  And as a surprise we plan on giving my mother-in-law the autographed card.  This special keepsake will do the impossible of making these potatoes even tastier.

Gene Stallings Twice Baked Potatoes

• 10 large new potatoes
• 3/4 c butter
• 5 chopped green onions
• s&p to taste
• 1 1/2 c grated cheese
• Bacon Bits (I use real bacon 4 strips crumbled)
• 1 pint sour cream

Mash cooked potatoes, add all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts.

Touchdown!