Homemade French Fries

I have wanted to make homemade french fries for years, but didn't have a deep fryer or a fry slicer. My Bosch mixer was on a special sale when I bought it so we got a blender and food shredder with french fry cutting blade. Now I just needed the deep fryer and I finally borrowed one from Mali last week. Of course, then I kept running out of time every night to make them. One night Brian offered to do it for me while I made grilled ham sandwiches. Ben was really excited and got totally involved in helping. As usual, Maddie was near by and in the way, trying to touch everything - including the 375 degree oil. Heating the oil was pretty boring, but they wouldn't leave their chairs for fear of missing something. Now we've made fries three times and they are absolutely delicious.

True to form, Brian always does things just a little bit better than your average Joe. He made spicy fries. Here is the recipe:

Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries

2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon onion salt 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 cup water, or as needed 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

DIRECTIONS Slice potatoes into French fries, and place into cold water so they won't turn brown while you prepare the oil. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, sift the flour, garlic salt, onion salt, (regular) salt, and paprika into a large bowl. Gradually stir in enough water so that the mixture can be drizzled from a spoon.

Dip potato slices into the batter one at a time, and place in the hot oil so they are not touching at first. The fries must be placed into the skillet one at a time, or they will clump together. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.