Lemony Roasted Root Vegetables

Recipe 43.
Sadly, I didn't take a picture of this. By time we were all gathered around the table after first & second courses, I just wanted to dig in to the main event. These were a yummy take on traditional roasted vegetables. You can roast them in the same pan with the tenderloin, I just chose not to.

1/4 C           extra virgin olive oil
3 T              fresh chopped oregano
3 T              lemon juice
1 T              Dijon mustard
1/2 t each     salt & pepper
1/4 t             hot red pepper flakes
1 lb              mini white potatoes, scrubbed & cut in half
3                 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
1                 large onion, chopped into large chunks

In a bowl whisk together olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Arrange potatoes, carrots and onions in a pan and toss with dressing. Bake in a 350 F oven for about an hour and a half. Serve with pork tenderloin!

day 29, recipe 29: The BEST French Fries EVER

One of lifes little luxuries is owning a deep fryer. I know, it's not exactly the most health conscious way to eat your foods but really, you aren't fooling anyone when you eat your mushy oven baked fries & claim they taste as good as ones from a fast food restaurant. These sweet & salty fries will be sure to satisfy!


3          large white potatoes, washed & scrubbed well, cut into shoe string pieces
4 C       vegetable oil, for frying

After you slice your potatoes into desired length/thickness, immediately transfer them into a bowl with ice cold water (throw a couple cubes in, too!). Allow to sit in the cold water for 30 minutes, until your oil has heated to correct temperature.
Transfer potatoes into your frying basket & shake off excess moisture before putting into oil. Lower basket into deep frier & place lid overtop (mine has a lid, yours might not). Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat & allow to drain of oil in basket for two minutes. Lower fries into oil again & fry for an additional 3 minutes. Yup- that's right; TWICE fried potatoes. The secret for crispy success. Mmm.

Remove fries from oil & unplug your fryer- dump fries onto a plate with paper towel & allow to drain of excess oil. Sprinkle seasoning over top & enjoy!



Seasoning
1 T                   granulated sugar
1 t                    sea salt
2 t                    paprika

Combine ingredients & shake together in a small ziploc baggie. Great for popcorn as well, reminds me of kettle corn!