Thanks!

By Tunnia on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 12:39 pm:

I make french fries by baking the potatoes first and then when they are completely cooled I slice then into the shape the kids want (sometimes round like a chip, sometimes in wedges) and then fry them in oil or broil them in the oven. HTH My family prefers these over Orieda.

By Bea on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 03:33 pm:

Very simple. Peel several good size Idaho Potatoes, (one per serving). Slice it into 1/4 inch slices length wise. Then slice the slices to get fries. Heat Butter-Flavored-Crisco in a large deep pan, until small portion of potato skin dropped into grease sizzle and dance. Add your cut potatoes slowly. Stir gently until golden brown. Remove, and drain on paper towels. Season with salt pepper or seasoned salt. You might have to fry the potatoes in portions, as too much will cool the grease, making the fries absorb too much. Make sure the burner stays hot, and the fries have enough room to be stirred.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

No doubt, home made fries are delicious, but it's been a total disaster the few times I've tried. I had a friend who made home made potato chips. He spent hours slicing potatoes really thin and then fried them. For some unknown reason, he loved making them and he'd come over and spend the day and make them. Man, were THOSE delicious!

Bea, do yours come out crisp? The problem I always had was they tasted soggy and greasy.

By Andi on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 05:32 pm:

Here is a Recipe for Oven Fries:

Oven Fries:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Fill a bowl with cold water. Make sure the bowl is large enough to hold all your potatoes. Place the potatoes in the water as you peel them to keep them from turning dark.
3. Cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise. Place each half flat-side down and slice into 1/2-inch thick slices. Stack these slices, one on top of the other, and cut the potatoes again lengthwise into 1/2-inch pieces. You should now have long, rectangular fries that are 1/2 inch on each side and as long as the potato.
4. Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet, in a single layer. Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil over them. Season with a pinch of salt. Mix to ensure each piece is coated.
5. Cook the potatoes for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Increase the oven temperature to 400 and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Periodically stir the fries while they are cooking to make sure they brown evenly. Serve and enjoy.

By Feona on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 06:26 pm:

Thanks. They all sound delicious! Ds loves french fries. Sounds so easy too.

By Bea on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 12:54 am:

They won't be greasy if the fat is hot enough and you fry them in small batches. They will be golden and crisp. Oils don't get hot enough. You must use a solid shortening.

By My2girlygirls on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 09:49 am:

I make homemade potato chips. I have one of the Pampered Chef Mandolin slicers. I just peel the potatoes and slice them very thin on the slicer and fry them in some hot oil. My kids love them. I figure they are fried but still not full of all the preservatives that store bought chips have. We also love homemade fries, Bea, I do them just like you do. The oil definitely has to be hot enough or they will be greasy.

By Juliem on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 01:07 pm:

My grandmother made the best homemade fries. She cut the potatoes in a normal large french fry shape. She then lightly battered them in flour. It made them super crunchy. When I was single, I would make a huge dinner plate full and eat them all!! Everyone I have told to put flour on potatoes thinks I am crazy, but I promise they are delicious.