French fries are the quintessentail North American fast food treat, and certainly one of my favorites.

There is nothing quite as tummy warming and comforting as crispy fried potatoes, hot out of the fryer with lots of vinegar and salt.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:
mature baking potatoes
cooking oil

Directions:
Pare and slice potatoes into strips. Strips approximately 2 1/4 inches long and 3/8 inch wide cook well.

Heat cooking oil to 300°F - 330°F.

When fat is ready drop in potatoes, 1 cup at a time, and cook about 2 minutes, until all sputtering ceases. Skim out the potatoes and drain them on a paper towel. Cool at least 5 minutes.

Heat oil to 375°F.

Place potatoes in a frying basket. Finish frying them for about 3 minutes. They should be golden brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel. Do not cover them.

• The two step process is essential. Step one cooks the potatoes on the inside and step two crisps them. Chefs will tell you not to try to cook them in one step. They just don't turn out as well. Fresh fried potatoes sure are worth it though!

This recipe makes as many servings as you want. Use about 1 potato per serving.