Butter-Flavored Oils Aren't For Red Hot (Healthy!) Hearts

Sometimes I wonder why we go to hospitals for our health advice.This recipe for crispy potato skins from the Mayo Clinic's "heart healthy" section includes Butter Flavored oils, as do several other recipes on the site.The Mayo Clinic's dietitians must not know that some butter flavored oils, and microwaved popcorns, contain a chemical called diacetyl which has been linked to a severe, life-threatening lung disease. See the government report here:It's this kind of "fast-food" mentality that has lead us to the health crisis our country is now facing. Let's get back to using real, whole foods that taste delicious and don't add harmful chemicals to our bodies.

Try My Red Hot Healthy Potato Skins:

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 medium russet potatoesOlive Oil or Earth Balance (trans-fat free vegan butter)1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and paprika1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 F.Wash the potatoes and pierce with a fork. Place in the oven and bake until the skins are crisp, about 1 hour.Carefully — potatoes will be very hot — cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the pulp, leaving about 1/8 inch of the potato flesh attached to the skin. Save the pulp for another use.Lightly oil the inside of each skin with 1/2 teaspoon of oil or Earth Balance. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, rosemary and pepper. Return the skins to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.