Without a parent around, preparing a hearty dinner may be challenging. However, a baked potato is a simple solution. Here are six easy steps to creating a tasty meal for the hungry home-alone child.

Ingredients:
1 large russet potato
1 green onion
2 slices of cheddar cheese
1 head of baby broccoli
Crunched bacon bits
1 tablespoon of sour cream

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and thoroughly clean potato.

Step 2: Use a fork to poke a number of holes into potato, allowing moisture to escape while cooking.

Step 3: Wrap potato in aluminum foil and place onto oven rack. Set timer for half an hour then flip when time is up. Allow an additional half hour to cook.

Step 4: Once done, carefully remove potato with oven mitts and unwrap potato onto plate.

Keep your face a safe distance away while cutting open potato as scorching steam may arise.

Step 5: Set stove to high and boil a pot of water. With a pair of tongs, place baby broccoli into water and blanch for 15-30 seconds. Then quickly remove to avoid sogginess.

Step 6: Next, drizzle melted cheese upon opening of potato. Apply remaining toppings, including green onions, bacon bits, sour cream and broccoli, onto potato.

With the process complete, you may indulge in a simple yet delectable meal to pass the time alone.

For more how-to articles, read the May 21 article, How to: Onion rings provide crunchy snack.