French Fry Diary 431: The Sandwich King's Hand Cut Fries

It's Food Network Friday, so here's another entry and recipe from the Sandwich King Jeff Mauro. In the episode entitled "Hot Diggity Dog," Jeff visits Gene's & Jude's in his hometown of Chicago, where they specialize in a very special kind of hot dog - one smothered in fresh cut French fries.

If I was local to Chicago I would have checked Gene's & Jude's out, but since I'm not, I'll have to depend on Jeff via the magic of television. As per usual on "Sandwich King," after learning how to do it at the restaurant of choice, Jeff heads home to create his own version of the sandwich. Including the fries. Mmmm… fries…

Here's Jeff's recipe for Hand Cut Fries with Celery Salt:

Prep Time: 15 min, Cook Time: 15 min, Level: Easy, Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients: Vegetable oil, 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed, peel-on, Celery salt, for sprinkling

Directions: Fill a 6-quart heavy pot or Dutch oven two-thirds of the way full with oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375 degrees F.

Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick sticks. Fry the potatoes in batches, until golden brown, 8 minutes per batch. Transfer the potatoes with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with celery salt and serve immediately.

Check out the full recipe here. "Sandwich King" airs new episodes on Sunday mornings.

Guy Fieri's Yucca Fries

For this Food Network Friday we turn again to Guy Fieri, mostly because he's one of my favorite chefs, but also because he knows his fries - even when they're not made of potatoes! Here's his version of Yucca Fries:

Recipe courtesy Guy Fieri

Show: Guy's Big Bite Episode: Mojito Chicken

Prep Time: 15 min
Inactive Prep Time: --
Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 4 to 6 servings.

Ingredients
•3 cups canola oil
•1 tablespoon fine sea salt
•1 teaspoon black pepper
•1 teaspoon paprika
•1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•2 pounds fresh yucca
•1 lime zested

Directions
In medium Dutch oven heat oil to 350 degrees F.

Place all spices in mixing bowl, and combine thoroughly.

Peel yucca tubes with heavy-duty vegetable peeler until bark is completely removed. Cut yucca into strips: 1/4-inch wide, 4 inches long. Add yucca into oil and fry until golden brown. With a slotted spoon remove the yucca from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Season hot yucca fries with spice mixture and lime zest and serve on a warm paper - towel-lined platter.

Alton Brown's Potato Chips

For today's Food Network Friday, the amazing Alton Brown, from "Good Eats," makes homemade potato chips.

CopyKat Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries

There are a few websites out there that specialize in reproducing favorite restaurant meals at home. CopyKat is one of the better ones, and one I was hipped to by friend and fellow food writer Warren Bobrow on his Twitter. Here's their take on Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries:

Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries

1 – 2 lb. bag of Frozen French Fries
1 C. shredded Colby Jack cheese (An excellent suggestion is to use the cheese that is
labeled as "Taco Cheese," cheese for Tacos.)
6 pieces of Bacon, cooked

Divide the fries into half, and use the other half later. Heat oil to 350 degrees. If you do not have a thermostat, make sure the oil is hot enough, so that when you set a French fry in there it will cook immediately. If the French fry sinks to the bottom, and barely bubbles, it is not hot enough. Fry the potatoes in small batches, they are done when they are golden brown, and float to the top of the skillet. (I like to use a Dutch oven). Be sure to drain the potatoes on paper towels. You can keep them warm in the oven while the other fries are done. When all French fries are done cooking, and drained place them onto a platter. Salt the French fries if you like, and sprinkle on cheese and cooked bacon. Pop these back into a warm oven until the cheese begins to melt.

Here is what Jane Coyle Suggested:

1 16 oz bottle Ranch Dressing
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder

Combine all ingredients and let refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

The original recipe can be found here, and you can find more Outback Steakhouse Recipes, here at CopyKat.com.

Cooking with Dave: Fried Potatoes

Dave Can Cook takes a shot at frying potatoes, making some nice thick potato wedges in a Dutch oven. Great looking Tracy fries, Dave!


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