One potato at a time, lay the handles of two wooden spoons either side of the potato, then make vertical cuts all along the length, so that you cut almost through, but the spoon handles stop you going through completely. Chopsticks will do a good job of this, too.
In a little mixing bowl, mix the oil, seasonings, spices, and salt and pepper together.
Get the spuds on to a baking tray and drizzle oil all over. Heavily drizzle with the spiced oil mixture and place the tray on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, baste in the oil and return to the oven for a further 20-25 minutes, until golden, tender and a little crispy.