The Family Table: Planning not to derail
Every once in a while, you have to eat what you want — otherwise, a trek off the healthy eating train can become a total derailment.
I’ve never been one for sweets. French fries on the other hand … it’s rare I can pass them up.
Likewise with Wesley and Gabriel, who think crispy fried taters are the bees knees.
So, as the occasional treat in our house, we make a meal out of the humble fry. We’ve topped them in a myriad of ways. My favorite, however, is to have them as deconstructed potato boats.
Typically an appetizer, potato boats or skins are mostly hollowed out whole potatoes topped with bacon, scallions and cheese. A local restaurant serves theirs with a spicy sour cream sauce that I love, so I replicate that at home with a little roasted garlic and Sriracha tossed into the sour cream.
The result is a simple, delicious meal that satisfies everyone in the house, especially me.
Having trimmed off quite a few pounds last year, I’m definitely not resting on my laurels; I’ve no plans to gain it back.
But I have learned through trial (and lots of error) that indulging every once in a while helps keep me on the straight and narrow.
It also makes for some very, very happy boys.
Steak fry platter
6 large baking potatoes, well scrubbed
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons steak seasoning
Fresh cracked pepper
Salt
Drizzle of vegetable oil
Toppings (see below)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut potatoes into long wedges, keeping in mind, the thinner cut, the crisper the fries will get. Soak cut fries in cold water for about 10 minutes, then dry well.
Dump fries in a bowl, and combine oil and seasonings. Coat fries well and spread in a single layer onto a baking sheet. Bake the fries for about 25 minutes, turning once about midway though. If you like the fries extra crispy, broil them for about 1 minute per side before eating.
Toppings
3 strips bacon
1/2 cup cheese of your choice, grated (I like mozzarella and Gouda)
2-3 scallions, cut thin, greens included
Sour cream
Salsa
While the fries are cooking, fry the bacon on top of the stove. Drain it well, and crumble it. Cut up scallions and combine with the bacon. Top the hot fries with the cheese, then top with scallions and bacon. Serve the fries with sour cream or salsa.