How to cook the perfect jacket potato as TikTok star Spudman unveils secrets

dailyrecord.co.uk:

TikTok's very own Spudman has dished out his secrets for rustling up the perfect jacket potato in your own kitchen, advising against the common mistake of wrapping them in foil.Ben Newman, a 39 year old from Tamworth, Staffordshire, has become an internet sensation, amassing over 117 million views and 3.4 million followers for sharing glimpses into his life as a modest jacket potato vendor.His spuds are so sought after that fans have been known to queue for hours, with some travelling from as far as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia just for a taste.Having taken the online world by storm, Ben - who posts as @spudarmy - is now divulging tips on how to replicate his renowned Spudman jacket potatoes at home.He emphasises the importance of potato variety and cautions against choosing Nadine Potatoes, which are commonly found in supermarkets but offer poor results when cooked.Ben also recommends opting for two smaller potatoes rather than one large one, which goes against what many would typically do.From his base in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, Ben advises, "Cooking time will depend on the size of the potato.

If the potato fits in the palm of your hand, cook for around an hour and a half."Everyone makes the mistake of going for the biggest potato they can find, but it is better to buy a couple of smaller ones and have two."While many believe wrapping a spud in tin foil is essential, Spudman disagrees, saying: "I never wrap my potatoes in foil at home."He explains that at home: "You're less likely to burn them in your home oven as opposed to an industrial potato oven which hits 300-350 degrees."Spudman's journey began in 2003, and his passion for jacket potatoes has only grown since then.