There aren’t too many people who do not like French Fries!  Actually, I can’t think of anyone I know who does not like them.  Of course, many adults have learned to see these as treats and only eat them occasionally.  I do enjoy fries, but know that I can’t eat them all the time. So, when I get a craving, I make a healthier baked version at home.  Because they are seasoned and I get them crispy, they definitely satisfy my craving.

If you want home-baked, crispy, flavourful fries, here’s what to do:

1. Wash and dry red-skinned or Yukon Gold potatoes.  Leave the skin on. I usually do one medium potato per person for average appetites
2. Slice potato longways into about ½ inch thick pieces.  Then slice the rounds into about ½ inch thick sticks
3. Put all the sticks in a bowl with some olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic flakes or garlic powder.  Toss to evenly distribute the oil and seasonings. Drain excess oil through a slotted spoon
4. Place potato sticks on a baking sheet with space between them to allow the air to circulate.  (You can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper if you like)
5. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven at 350 to 375 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until crispy.  Turn them over halfway through the cooking time. If you have a convection oven, switch to the convection setting for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness

I have tried using convection for the whole time and lessening the cooking time, but I have found that the fries come out crispy, but a little too dry inside.  Only using convection for the last few minutes seems to preserve the soft potato pulp inside the fry.

I posted a photo of the fries and the rest of the dinner that went with it on Instagram last week.  Perhaps some of you saw that post. I also roasted some green beans in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  They come out great that way and seem to have a more intense flavour than boiling or steaming gives them. This is a quick and easy way to do them and I thank Strewn Winery for that idea!!  We got the recipe from a cooking class we attended there years ago and use it regularly!  The marinated, grilled chicken breast was the main part of the meal and we had a mixed green salad too. 

Our go-to marinade for the chicken is:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• about 1/8 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• salt and pepper

This is a go-to for us because they are tasty ingredients that we always have in the house.  You can certainly change it up by using orange juice or lime juice instead of lemon and add some herbs too.  Check out what you have in your pantry and make your marinade according to the flavours you enjoy…leave out the citrus and wine and use soy sauce and ginger…the options are endless!

This meal comes together in no time and is tasty any time of year for your family, or even for company.   You can also do the fries with sweet potatoes and other root vegetables like carrots, rutabegas, parsnips and turnips. 

Because you can control the amount of fat, salt and seasonings when you cook at home, go ahead and enjoy these tasty fries any night of the week.  Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy Cooking, friends!