Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a medium-size baking pan with aluminum foil.
Poke the potatoes with a fork, and rub each of them with olive oil, salt and pepper.
4 russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Arrange the potatoes on the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife comes out easily when poked into the centers.
Allow the potatoes to cool for 15 minutes before slicing them open and fluffing Serve with a pat of butter, salt and pepper, freshly minced chives and sour cream if desired.