If you’re anything like John and I (and most Americans are from the statistics I remember), you love french fries. We’re no exception but starting tomorrow!, we’re doing our best to eat healthy. Of course, you’re still going to have your Super Bowl weekend party and want to eat some bad stuff, but we’ve committed ourselves to more exercise and healthier dinners. I hope that keeps me healthy and helps us both attain the weight we’d like to be. Really, in the end, your health is the most important thing you have. I don’t want John sick early in life because he’s carried around extra weight. It’s just not good.Anyway, everything in moderation, so I’m sure we’ll treat ourselves now and again. But, french fries that I make at home, are one that we can definitely keep in our new healthier diet! They are made from fresh potatoes, and baked, not fried. They’re a great alternative to breads or rice with meals. And, they’re pretty fun.

Of course, John loves spicy fries. Me, not so much, so when I make them, I try to make two batches and cook them on separate cookie sheets. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn! I never get them the same size so I always have a few burnt ones, but, I like to use all of the potato.

Homemade French Fries
Serves: 4
3 large potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
For spicy fries add:
1/2 tablespoon paprika
and substitute salt for garlic salt
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into strips. Coat them in olive oil and them transfer them into a large plastic bag. Add seasonings and shake until all potatoe strips are evenly spiced. Do this in two batches if necessary. Place on a greased cookie sheet evenly spread out (they can be touching). Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until potatoes are golden brown.

Note: I don’t peel the potatoes, one extra step that I feel isn’t necessary but nothing will happen if you peel them.

Until the next time my oven is on…