Oven Baked Parmesan Steak Fries

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...French fries have become a sometime thing for the Silver Fox and me. When we have a yen, there's an old bar and grill in town that makes fries that could set the standard for any steak house in the country. The place is shabby and it reeks of stale beer, but the potatoes they serve are Lucullean and worth the caloric splurge and descent to the dark side. The fries I make at home are oven baked and, while they are good, I've never been able to convince myself that they are as good as the real thing. It's a given that they are better for us, so when I need something to accompany burgers or steaks, these are the steak fries that I serve. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to deep fried potatoes I really think you'll like these. They are simple to make and very tasty. Given the variance with oven temperatures, you'll want to watch these carefully as they near the end of their baking period. It's best to view the time listed in the recipe as a suggestion rather than fiat. Here's the recipe.

Oven Baked Parmesan Steak Fries...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:

5 Idaho potatoes

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place two baking sheets in oven to heat.

2) Peel potatoes and cut each potato into 8 wedges. Place wedges into a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pour off water, then cover again with cold water. This is to prevent oxidation and help keep the potatoes crisp. Drain potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper toweling. Place them into a large bowl with olive oil, salt and black pepper. Toss well, making sure to cover all surfaces of the potatoes.

3) Remove baking sheets from oven and quickly spread potatoes on them in a single layer. Remember to protect hands and fingers from burns. Return to oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning once, until potatoes are golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and continue baking until the cheese has melted and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes longer. Remove from oven, let sit for 2 minutes, then serve. Yield: 6 servings.