fry bacon until just under crispy to crispy.. no soggy bacon for this recipe.
place bacon on paper towel lined plate and set aside.
peel, wash, and chunk potatoes.
place potatoes in a 3qt. pan. fill with cold water to about 2 inches from the top.
boil potatoes until soft but can still hold its shape. u don't want mushy soggy potatoes.
rinse potatoes under cold water until cooled but still warm.
mash potatoes with milk and salt using a beater or potato masher until creamy but not runny. adjust milk add needed.
preheat oven to 350°
spoon out potatoes into a 9 inch pie plate.
form potatoes into a mound shaped like a volcano. leave a 1/2 inch space around the edges for a place for the lava to go.
make a hole in center of potato mound for the lava.
arrange bacon vertically to cover entire outside of potatoes. now its brown like a mountain.
for the lava:
in a bowl using a beater whip the whipping cream until thick and fluffy.
add the shredded cheddar and fold in.
add the food coloring until its a dark pink. carefully mix it in.
pour the lava mixture into the center of potatoes in the hole you made . make it a heaping pile going up.
place volcano into oven for 20 minutes.
your lava will bubble and flow down the sides. fun to watch while its cooking!
remove from oven and serve while hot!
brightens up your finger and makes it fun for kids! kids can help placing bacon on and filling it with lava!
tip, you can add any flavor to your potatoes before assembly.. garlic, more cheese, etc, as long add the potatoes remain thick enough to mold.. :)
