The secret to CRISPY Oven Baked Fries

One afternoon I had an hour to prep dinner early.  We were having salad, burgers and fries.  I started by prepping the salad and since the cutting board was already out I decided to cut up the potatoes into fries.  I put them in cold water so they don't turn brown.  When it was time for dinner I pulled out the fries, gave them a good rinse, tossed them in olive oil and seasonings then put them in the oven.  The result was a crispy french fry that was packed full of flavor!  I have modified this technique and recipe a bit over the years since then to get the PERFECT flavorful crispy french fry.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 Large russet potatoes 
• 4-6 Tbs of avocado oil 
• Salt/pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika 
• 1 tsp onion powder 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp thyme 
• 1/2 tsp tumeric 
• 1/4 tsp cayenne  (optional, this gives them heat - if you don't like spicy foods don't add the cayenne)

You will also need:

Large cast iron pan 
Stainless steel locking tongs (12 inches or bigger)

Instructions:

1. Wash russet potatoes really well (use a veggie brush if you have one)
2. Slice potatoes into 3/8 inch thick french fry pieces.
3. Wash cut potatoes really well in cold water until water runs clear.  Then soak in fresh cold water for 15min.  **This step is what makes them crispy**
4. While waiting, get your cast iron pan on the stove heating at medium heat and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
5. Drain potatoes 
6. Put oil in pan (enough to have a thin layer of oil coating the entire pan) and turn heat up to medium high.
7. Using large tongs toss potatoes in oil and arange in an even layer.
8. Evenly sprinkle the herbs and spices over the potatoes.
9. Carefully move the hot pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25min.
10. Turn the oven to broil and let them crisp up on the top for another 15min.
11. Let them cool slightly before diving in :)

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