Funny, isn’t it? I have such positive memories of those nights. Yet, at the time, I’m sure there was a part of my mom’s conscience that felt a little guilty—guilty for not seating us around the dinner table, guilty for letting us drink pop, guilty for turning on the TV instead of a line of questioning about our day. I hope not, but if the fact that she always served our bowls of salted, buttered popcorn with a side of apples is any indication…
I can empathize now because I’m a mom myself, and it’s exactly how I feel when I declare one night every month or so “French fry dinner night.” Despite a tinge of guilt, I’m still compelled to do it because I love—and my family loves—this week’s featured recipe: Baharat & Blue Oven Fries. You can try putting them alongside a more traditional main dish, but I’m warning you now—no one will eat much of that “main.” These fries are just too good to resist!
The homemade Baharat-inspired salt makes them. Sounds exotic, but really it’s just a blend of seasonings that you likely already have in your pantry (sweet paprika, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves or allspice). Baharat is a traditional Greek and Middle-Eastern seasoning blend. It actually means “spices” in Arabic—so let’s just say that it’s the real deal.
And—to be honest—I can pretty easily convince myself that these fries are healthy. After all, they’re sweet potatoes…and baked! Top them with some stinky blue cheese, a sprinkling of Italian parsley or cilantro, and a splash of lime juice or vinegar, and—well—you basically have all four food groups covered. Dinner done!
Click here to give this recipe a try and tell me what you think.
