Saturday, June 5, 2010

Busy times and zesties!

I have not been incredibly motivated recently to make food. My inspiration is lacking. I have been pre-occupied and some of that is a good thing. I have a house under contract and am showing others, I have getting overtime at work each week and trying to re-build a security blanket after buying my house. I have an upcoming vacation that should be a good time even though plans are up in the air. My brother, my mum, and I may be planning a trip to the grand canyon later summer. Busy stuff.

I have been in a monstrous french fry mood in the last several weeks. I have always had a soft spot for a good basket or plate of fries but these last few weeks have been vicious. Typically, I make the rosemary fries that I have blogged about several times. The other day, I was craving something a little different.


Zesty French Fries

3 med red potatoes
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of oil
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper


Pre-heat the oven at 425 degrees.

In a pot, bring the water to a boil. While the water is heating, slice the potatoes in french fry shapes. The thinner you cut them, the less time they will take to boil but you will sacrifice the tender middle. Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes and cover. Boil for about 10-12 minutes until you can pierce the potato with a fork. Be careful not to over cook or they will fall apart when in the oven. Strain and set aside.

In a baking pan, add all other ingredients and stir into the oil. It should be a nice red color with some graininess. Place the pan in the oven for about 5 minutes and let the oil heat up. This is prevent the potatoes from soaking up the oil and becoming soggy. Once the oil is hot, remove the pan from the oven and gently pour the potatoes into the oil. Stir well so the potatoes are covered in the oil mixture. Return to the oven and and bake for about 25 minutes. Flip the fries and bake for another 15 minutes and bake until the fries get a nice crisp on the outer sides.


Zesties have always been one of my favorite types of fries. These came out great and had a nice slight heat to them and a good crunch. Delicious.

6 comments:

Millie said...

I must try this next week when my little ones are here for the weekend, they love fries. thanks my friend...also I love the Sunshine Award write up...good job!

dreaminitvegan said...

Those look perfect! I've never boiled my potatoes first, I always just cut, coat and put in the oven.

Hopefully you'll get to go on a vacation, it will be good to get away. The grand canyon is pretty amazing!

Mihl said...

Those fries don't look like you lost your cooking motivation at all. Awesome! And I am always in a french fry mood too.

Jes said...

Yay for the house under contract! That's great! And the fries look super good too.

Hannah said...

Yum! Amazing how just a little pinch of spice can make the same old, same old so much more exciting. I'm usually not one for french fries, but these sound so much better than the norm!

dirtyduck said...

these are like, the perfect fries. yours turned out so well.boiling first, good idea:)