Cracked Pepper Oven Roasted Fries

Ugh...guys, it's been too long since I last posted. I'm sorry! Since you last heard from me, I have moved to a new apartment (read: unpacking, arranging and rearranging, purging, and spending entirely TOO much money on living costs). 

The good news is, though, that I have a new KITCHEN in which to cook, bake, and enjoy life. I'm so excited to bring you new recipes from my new home! I christened the new oven tonight with these easy, delicious, healthy oven fries. Mmm. Carbs <3

See, the thing about moving is that it's exhausting. Everything about it is tiring, even the fun stuff like decorating and exploring the new place. Add to that any kind of mishaps, and you've got full-blown, cross-eyed, sore-bodied, "What-was-I-thinking-I-am-never-moving-again-EVERRRR" syndrome.

(When I say "mishaps", I'm talking about things you just don't see coming--like two days ago, when my flimsy new closet literally collapsed under the weight of my clothing. *Sigh*) I'm trying not to let it get the best of me, though, and my goal is to be in bed before midnight tonight. Let's see if I can make it happen!

Okay. So these fries...are absolutely wonderful, and perfect for a laid-back evening when you're tired and just want to eat ice cream and watch Dexter (which, incidentally, is how I've spent my evening). The key to making them crispy is to soak them in water for awhile to remove the starch! Also, make sure to cut even slices for even roasting.

Sorry about the weird lighting in these photos. Long days and getting home late mean I have only a small window of time to use daylight and natural light for good food photography. Clearly, I missed that window today! Anyway, this recipe, which I adapted from Let The Baking Begin, requires four ingredients. FOUR. And an oven. Sounds like a plan to me! Enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes--you may substitute sweet potatoes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Scrub the potatoes under running water until thoroughly clean, then dry them and cut them into 1/2 inch sticks (or wedges!)

Fill a large bowl with water and soak the potatoes for 30 minutes to 2 hours to remove the starch. Drain the potatoes and dry them, then toss with ground black pepper, salt & oil. Transfer potatoes to the baking sheet and spread into single layer.

Roast in the oven for 40 minutes, until golden in color and crispy, tossing them at 20 minutes. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for fries!