Frozen, Fresh Fried!

Originally Posted by Good Karma Mama on 07/19/10

 

Day 1- And off we go!

Last night is my first trial in improving the dinners for the fam. Yet again it was a bit of a chaotic day and the pork ribs I had planned to make totally got pushed aside, but at least I had a fridge full of options.

 

So, knuckles cracked, I gave a quick thought to what the options were. I chose breaded chicken strips, but not the frozen deep fried kind. Real chicken and plump. Sides were steamed broccoli and drum roll....Oven fried french fries.

 

I won't lie, or try to impress you too much. The chicken was premade, from a great mom and pop grocery store that is like home cooking anyway. The veggies were Bird's Eye steam in the pouch.

 

...Side bar for a second. I am a huge fan of these frozen veggie pouches that you can just pop in the microwave and they are steamed in about 4 mins. Studies show that frozen fruits and veggies can often contain more vitamins and minerals then canned or fresh. The reason is that the item is picked and frozen immediately rather then sitting on a truck while being delivered. They are more colorful and taste just picked.
Ok, back to the real take test for the night and the recipe.

Oven Fried Potatoes. My thought was, can I get the kids to eat potatoes that are not fried in hydrogenated oil, but still get something on the table fast.

Total Prep time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins in oven

Ingredients: Feeds 2 kids and 1 adult

• (1-2) russet potatoes
• Cooking spray
• Salt to taste

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 400 Degrees. Prepare baking sheet by laying a piece of tin foil on bottom and spaying with a thin layer of cooking spray.
2. Cut up (1-2) russet potatoes into strips. About the size and shape of regular french fries.
3. In a bowl spray cooking spray over strips. You could do it on the baking sheet too if you're trying save on dishes.
4. Toss with about 4 generous pinches of salt.  
5. Place on baking sheet
6. Put in oven for 25-30 mins. You should probably turn fries over once to prevent burning and even browning.

Results:

 

Mom vote- Not bad, I would totally make again. The thinner strips came out really crispy and I like mine crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I think I would just cut them a bit thicker next time.

 

Kids Vote: Four thumbs up.. My daughter gobbled them up with no question. My son, who is 5 years old, first asked what they were. I simply said, "french fries silly" and continued setting the table. I peeked out of one eye, to watch his reaction as he ate ( no sudden moves you know) he ate it willingly. I then asked, "what do you think? I made them myself" He replies with "they're wrinkly". WHEW. Wrinkly is better then yuck.. Through dinner he proceeded to ask for seconds. Much to my own surprise.

Husband Vote: didn't bother to try them. I made him brown rice..He may actually be my tougher mission.

Try em yourself and let me know how it works.