Scrub the potatoes clean: Scrub the potatoes with a brush under running water. Pat them dry.
Drizzle olive oil over potatoes and run to coat
Generously sprinkle the potatoes on all sides with salt and pepper.
Prick the potatoes in a few places with the tines of a fork.
Bake the potatoes: You can bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or you can place them a few inches apart on a foil-lined baking sheet. I prefer to wrap each potato in aluminum foil to bake. Bake the potatoes for 45 to 55 minutes. Flip them over every 20 minutes. You can check them for doneness by piercing them with a fork. They will be done when the inside is completely soft when pricked with a fork.
HOW TO MAKE POTATO SKINS
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the inside. Leaving a little bit of potato in the skins. Melt the butter with 2 tablespoons canola oil, then brush both the outside and the inside of the potatoes. Sprinkle the inside lightly with salt. Place potato halves face-down and return them to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Using tongs, turn the potatoes over and continue to bake until the edges of the potatoes start to turn golden brown.
CHILI
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers. Saute for about 5 minutes, or until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the chili powder, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, chile peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in the beans and heat through.
BLUE CHEESE DIP
For the Blue Cheese Dip, mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
PUT IT TOGETHER
Remove potato skins from oven. Spoon chili in each potato and top with blue cheese sauce. Return to the oven long enough to warm through, about 3 to 4 minutes.