Prepare the potato

• Pick a potato from the bag.
• Run it under water and brush off any dirt with a paper towel.
• Poke it with a fork several times so the steam can escape.

Microwave the potato

• Microwave the potato until a knife or fork slides in and out easily.
• If it is not done, add another minute.

Cut and serve plain

• Cut the potato in half.
• If you are very sick, eat the plain potato as is.

Add butter

• Lather the potato generously with butter.

Season and top

• Top with salt and pepper.
• Add a spoonful of creamy ranch dressing.