I make mine the same way as Tartan, but I stir in some crisp bacon bits before serving. Since mine always come from the grocery store, I always peel them to get rid of the wax they are coated in.
Tartan - I'm with you on hitting the knife with a hammer! Sometimes, I'm lucky and my husband will split it for me.
Seems that the recent ones I've bought are not as strong tasting as those I remember when my Mom cooked them. Maybe my taste buds have "mellowed" over the years!