I am a perfectionist who never reaches perfection. I am constantly criticizing myself for not working hard enough, not being good enough and not producing the best possible results. It makes it really difficult to get anything accomplished sometimes.
People tell me that my perfectionism means that I’m always going to have an amazing product but I couldn’t disagree more. Instead of always working to do my best, I freeze up. I work myself into a panic as the voice in my head yells “You’re not good enough! You’re going to fail!” YOU’RE. GOING. TO. FAIL.
On those days, no one can talk me out of it. Sometimes I’m able to stand up to the voice (my voice) and talk myself back to reality, other days I crumble into a ball, rocking and sobbing as I get nothing accomplished, yet again.
I do cling to the idea that maybe, if nothing else, I will produce work that is slightly better than average. And maybe, just maybe, that’s good enough.
On a lighter note, these broccoli cheddar twice-baked potatoes are fantastic, and I hope you’ll give them a try. Also, if you love potato recipes, you should my cheesy potato soup and my buttermilk ranch french fries!
Broccoli Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
- 2 cups steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped finely
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Pierce potatoes several times with a fork, place on a baking sheet and cook for 1 hour (or until cooked through). Allow to cool briefly.
- Slice off top 1/3 of each potato, setting aside for a different use. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the potato filling from the bottom halves into a large bowl while leaving the skins in tact.
- Use a potato masher to break down the potatoes. Stir in the sour cream, broccoli, cheese, chives and salt.
- Scoop the filling back into each potato. If desired, grate some additional cheddar cheese on top of each potato for presentation.
- Bake the potatoes for an additional 10 minutes or until heated through.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Jen, I have so many of the same struggles with perfectionism. While I don’t have any answers, I can at least say for now that it looks like you are doing a beautiful job (and these potatoes are definite perfection!)
Well said, Erin!
Thanks, Erin. :)
I think if you care about something you always strive for perfection and you can never reach it. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you are clearly talented, but don’t keep pushing yourself either – it’s the only way to grow.
Thanks, Laura :)
I have had the same issues and I am trying to release them now. It’s hard to ever be pleased with your hard work when you are constantly judging it. It is difficult to experience the awesomeness that you are when you are blind to it. You are so amazing. I know it is a work in progress but the first step is recognizing it. This is quite a beautiful potato dish.
We’re our own worst critics. Thanks for the kind words :)
Your perfectionism is definitely one of the charms of your blog, your photos have an such an elegant serenity to them…you’d never guess the turmoil that goes into creating them! These potatoes are utterly perfect, I’m pinning and sharing!
I appreciate the kind words!
That Perfection-Beast is a hard one to beat, and it always rears its head at the worst times, when we are already feeling defeated. You are always creating incredible things – and I, for one (of many many), adore what you create. These taters look incredibly comforting. Cook on, love! You do you! XO!
Thanks so much, Megan!
I feel you on the perfectionism pit fall. I’m right there with you, I drive myself crazy with minutae trying to get it just right. But you work is always top quality, food and photos, so you are being to harsh on yourself. These taters look great!
Thanks, Naomi. It means a lot coming from you!
this looks amazing. i am a perfectionist too. What is it about cooks who have that issue? Lol! love that you put a twist on the old classic
I know so many cooks who have the same issue! Thanks :)
Gorgeous….and looks so good!
I constantly am so judgmental about my work as well. Don’t push yourself too hard. It’ll only create more stress. Instead, if you are having fun doing what you do, the set outcome would be fun :)
Perfection are these beautiful pictures of your plated Brocoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potato. Thank you for sharing. I believe my husband will LOVE these.
Perfection are these beautiful pictures of your plated Brocoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potato. Thank you for sharing. I believe my husband will LOVE these.
This looks yummy, but it is not vegetarian nor vegan.
Recipe looks great! Going to try tonight. Something definitely off on nutrition facts, should be far more than 5 g Carb. Appreciate idea of including nutrition info though otherwise I always end up calculating it myself. Thanks
Ah, I will take a look! Thank you. I don’t trust the nutritional calculators at all, TBH. I use the one that’s included with my recipe plugin, but I always recommend that people manual input ingredients into a website like MyFitnessPal for the most accurate results. I figured this is better than nothing.