Potatoes have come up in the world. They’ve always been tasty; now we recognize them as healthful complex carbohydrates. And thanks to the microwave oven, they’re fast, too.

For the best of both worlds -- a speedy meal and satisfyingly crispy skin -- microwave a pierced, oiled, and salted potato, then give it a blast in a hot oven for 10 minutes (or a preheated air ...