by Jennifer Hinders

Created on: March 01, 2010   Last Updated: April 08, 2011

French Fries may be as American as apple pie, but their history goes way back.  Fried potatoes were first mentioned as early as 1680 in the Spanish dominated Netherlands. During the cold winters, poor citizens in that area fried potatoes because the frozen river prevented fishing. 

It was during World War I that the term “French” was added to fried potatoes by American and British soldiers stationed in Belgium.  These soldiers mistakenly called the Belgium fried potatoes “French” because French was the language spoken by the Belgium army at that time.

In North Americans we still call long these thin slices of fried potatoes “French fries.” In other parts of the world, long thin slices of potato are called “chips.”  French fries are called “frites” or “pommes” in Europe. Whatever you prefer to call your fried potatoes, they are delicious. Here is a simple way to cook up a delicious batch of homemade French fries.

Homemade French Fries

Five to six Russet baking potatoes

Oil (peanut oil or canola oil work best)

Large, deep skillet or pot- at least four inches deep (Cast iron skillet works the best)

Slotted spoon

1. First, peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler. Cut out any potato eyes or dark areas with a small paring knife.

2. Slice the potatoes in three to four inch long pieces. Try to keep them uniform.

3. Soak the sliced potatoes in cold salt water for about twenty minutes. Drain the slices on paper towel.  

4. Pour oil into a large, deep skillet and heat over high heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, lower heat to medium high. Slowly add a few potato slices at a time. The hot oil might pop, so stand back. .Allow the potatoes to fry for four to five minutes until they turn a nice golden brown color.

5. Remove the French fries from the hot oil with the slotted spoon. Set the French fries on a paper towel to drain and sprinkle with kosher salt.  Add another batch of potato slices to the hot oil and repeat the process all over again.

 *Serve the Homemade French fries with malt vinegar-a British favorite. Or serve them American style, with ketchup.

Homemade French fries are easy to make. They the perfect tasty snack for after school or a great side dish served with hamburgers and hotdogs at a picnic. Whenever you serve Homemade French fries, they will be an all time favorite with everyone.

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