I love baked, homemade french fries! Curly ones, steak ones, wedged ones. But ESPECIALLY seasoned ones!

I was very happy that these fries made Hubs’ “Approved” list. He’ll eat just about anything I make, but it’s when he turns to me mid-dinner and says, “hun, this is really good,” does it make my day.

WARNING: The cayenne pepper makes these fries a little spicy! For me, that’s pure heaven. But for others, your mouth may spit flames. So, adding the cayenne is completely up to you.

We’re moving in a few weeks – to a bigger place, YAY! – closer to work, YAY! – closer to family & friends, YAY! – but unfortunately that means saying goodbye to the Jersey Shore. While Hubs and I have spent many summers here enjoying the sandy beaches, boardwalks and amazing restaurants, it was truly amazing to be a part of this community year-round. Especially after enduring Hurricane Sandy and seeing the community come together.

We’ll always be a few hours away, but nothing will ever beat 10 minutes from the water! Because of this big move, be very afraid of the recipes I pull together as I clean out my fridge and cabinets… don’t say you weren’t warned. But in the meantime, let’s take a look at those hot, crispy, seasoned fries. You know you want to bake them.

Homemade Seasoned French Fries

Ingredients

• 3 russet potatoes, washed and sliced into strips (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you don’t like spicy, skip this!)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lined baking sheet with foil.
2. Place the potato strips into a large ice bath. Let sit 5 minutes, changing the water once (reason: this will get them crispy in the oven!).
3. Drain the potato strips and pat dry. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil and then arrange on the foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Evenly sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, turning once (note: for the last minute or so, feel free to turn on the broiler to get them extra crispy).
6. Serve with ketchup or your favorite condiment.