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.

French Fry Diary 152: Five Guys Cajun Fries

I love Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The burgers are better than most fast food places as are the fries, as a matter of fact, they are some of the consistently best franchise fries out there. One of the best things about Five Guys is the simplicity of the menu, including the fries - two sizes and two kinds - and I'd never tried the Cajun Fries, yet.

As friends and family converged on Five Guys for an August Saturday lunch, I felt brave and decided to try the Cajun Fries for the first time. We ended up with two orders as friends and family were game to help with the French Fry Diary experiment. The consensus was pretty unanimous.

The Cajun Fries at Five Guys are the same as the regular fries, natural cuts, but dusted heavily with Cajun seasoning. The seasoning includes, according to the manager on duty, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, white pepper, and 'spice.' These are hot, oh so hot. So hot I think I burned the tip of my tongue and the roof of my mouth, yow. I had to suck on ice cubes to cool off.

Thankfully we also got the regular style fries as well for those of us with milder dispositions. And as always, the peanuts and the burgers were terrific, but I doubt I'll be getting the Cajun Fries any time soon. They weren't bad just very hot. There's a time for that, and folks who love that, just not me. I still love Five Guys Burgers and Fries.