French Fry Diary 666: Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips

Apples have for some time been considered a healthy alternative for the potato, fried or otherwise. Apple 'fries' are a popular substitute for real French fries at Burger King as well as other fast food chains.

The apple has also moved into the chip arena. Of the fruits and veggies traditionally dried, baked, or fried as a potato chip substitute (Brad's Raw Chips have a dazzling variety), the apple is by far the most popular. Case in point - Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips, which were brought to my attention by my friend Marni.

Bare Fruit Snacks make healthy snacks, including dried pears, mangoes, cherries, and of course apple chips. The chips, made in Washington state, are organic, kosher, gluten and fat free, with no sugar, preservatives, or additives.

Once opened, they smelled good, but quite honestly looked pretty ugly. Thick natural cuts, they might have good for dipping that they been actual potato chips. They were more dried apple than apple chips. Not a pleasant experience. Thanks, Marni, but next time I'll pass on these.

Random Tater Pic(s) of the Day #166

Not really potatoes, but still fun. These fried cinnamon apple rings come courtesy of Virgin Radio Toronto, via Marni on the Facebook.

The recipe: BATTER FRIED APPLE RINGS 1 c flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 c. milk 1 egg 4 lg. apples Sugar and cinnamon Sift dry ingredients. Add milk and egg, beating well. Peel and core apples. Slice into 1/4 inch rings. Dip rings in batter and fry in 1/2 inch hot shortening until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Enjoy.

Random Tater Pic of the Day #108

French Fry Diary 334: Laurel Hill Barbeque Potato Chips

I was a bit bothered by the words on the bag the first time I tried Laurel Hill Barbeque Potato Chips. These kettle-cooked chips apparently have "40% reduced fat compared to regular potato chips." Really? Regular potato chips? Way to go, Health Nazis, insult the very snack you're trying to sell. They might as well say, "Potato chips suck, but hey, try ours."

Beyond that, these are all natural with no transfats, so that's something at least. The back of the bag further proclaims that they are also kosher, gluten-free, and that they have no artificial colors or flavors. Apparently, they are also "downright delicious."

Folks who frequent this French Fry Diary know that I love me some Whole Foods, and when I saw these at the check-out counter there, it was a no-brainer purchase. Now while they are a bag of chips, I don't know if they are 'all that.' They do have a bit of a zing, and an aftertaste. I'm not sure what does that. The ingredients list some intriguing items like apple cider vinegar and honey powder - but those should be good things.

These chips are okay for a change of pace, but I wouldn't want them every day. There are many other better types out there, but these are still worth a try. Who knows, you might love 'em.

French Fry Diary 252: The Best of Both Worlds

According to this article (clicky-clicky), starting in September, McDonald's will be introducing a new Happy Meal for kids that includes both fruit and fries.

This may not be what the Health Nazis want, but I suppose it is a 'happy' medium. The order of French fries will be a new smaller size serving, and for those who insist on just getting apple slices, instead of fries, you can do that too.

Although, I have to add, if you want apple slices instead of fries, I have to wonder why you're at McDonald's to begin with. Going to McDonald's and not getting fries is kinda like taking a shower, but not getting wet - but maybe that's just me.

French Fry Diary 75: K-Tel Micro-Chip

K-Tel, makers of many late night infomercial time-saving devices, as well as all those terrific music compilations from the 1970s, contributes this entry to French fry memorabilia – Micro-Chip. This microwave oven potato chip maker includes, as they say, everything you see here – chip maker plate, steaming lid, straight slicer and a wavy slicer. As seen on TV – even though I don’t really recall having ever seen this on television.

The package itself says “Delicious, crispy, fat-free, potato chips in your microwave!” And for the most part, it’s all true, they’re just not as good as the chips you can buy in a store or make on your own with a deep fryer. The texture of the chips is similar to what you get with apple chips, but lack taste. Some experimenting with spices and dipping sauces can easily make up for that.

Micro-Chip has other uses, it should be noted. You can also steam vegetables like broccoli, make tortilla chips as well, and the device itself is a serving tray with a center built for dipping sauces. But, come on, let’s face it, if you bought it, you git it to make potato chips. The slicers, plastic and cheap but damn sharp and functional, can be used without the Micro-Chip for scalloped potatoes for casseroles or almost perfect fried breakfast potatoes. And the wavy slicer is an excellent way to reproduce those great waffle fries from Chick-fil-A and other places.

This amazing invention, and its pristine twin received as a present from thoughtful friends, eventually made their way to our recent garage sale and were given a new home. But I removed one of each of the slicers for my own continued use, because they rock so much. Yeah, the slicers are that good.

French Fry Diary 61: Apple Peeler Machine

Checking out the Irish Hog the other day I came across the blog of The Spiteful Chef. There I came upon the entry about apple peeler machines.

It sparked my interest as I just got rid of one of these things at a yard sale. I could never get the darned thing to work. Yes, it leads you to believe it can peel apples, and potatoes, among other things, with ease – but I couldn’t do it. It makes me wonder if maybe I gave up too quick on it. The possibility of homemade spiral-cut potatoes is almost enough of an incentive to get another one...

How to Make Apple Fries

We've talked about apple fries before. Here's a video from Chef Tips on how to make them at home...



Mmmm... they look almost good enough to eat... ;-)


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French Fry Diary 10: The Frypod

Okay, yeah, I know, the Burger King Frypod is old old news. It's been around for nearly two years, and even though I do have to wonder why the folks at Apple haven't sued the heck out of BK for rifting on their iPod trademark, I still think it's a great idea.

Perfectly formed to fit in the drink holder of your car so you can really (and moderately safely) eat on the go, it was one of the coolest things to happen to to-go fries in years. And for those of you naysayers who are asking where to put your drink - most new cars have at least two drink holders. This practicality is even enough to excuse what BK called, when the Frypod debuted, "Have It Your Way Technology," claiming the Frypod kept the fries hotter. *rolls eyes* Yet to be proven, but the drink holder thing is enough of an innovation.


What I'm here to talk about today is what is printed on the side of the Frypod. It's a vertical checklist with boxes for "Hot" and "Fresh" and "Crispy." My complaint is that these boxes already have X's printed in them. Yes, clever, but what if it's not necessarily true?

Now even though I am not much of a fan of the taste of Burger King's French fries in their current invisi-coated incarnation, they are, in fact, usually hot, fresh, and crispy. The point is however, that's not always the case.

How about this idea: Leave the X's out of the boxes and let the consumer decide. If a particular Frypod full o' fries doesn't measure up, mark off the boxes that apply (if any) and mail it off to BK. In return for your opinion, they get some feedback on their product and a chance to tighten up quality control, and perhaps they could send you coupons for another chance at the fries. Just an idea, but heck, at one time the Frypod was just an idea...


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