Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Things I think I LOVE!!

 There are so many things I love.  Here is what I have bought lately and would absolutely recommend!  


 

1. Inflatable Hot Tub - you guys...Nate and I have talked about adding a hot tub when we do our porch add on.  So we figured we would try out an inexpensive option to see if it is truly something we would use before we spend thousands on the real deal.  We got this one about 2 weeks ago and have been in it every single day.  It's just big enough for 2 which is perfect for us.  It makes us even more excited for our future plans!



2. Candle warmer - I love lighting candles to make my house smell amazing...however I don't love leaving lit candles anywhere.  So I got this candle warmer.  It fits a large jar candle and makes the house smell so good all day long!



3. Chalkboard labels - We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel at the moment.  When we have our new pantry cabinet built I am going to put all my canisters together in there.  These labels make them easy to tell apart.  I hate pulling out the flour when I need sugar.  



4. Bathroom faucet - we have always been attracted to the waterfall style faucets.  When our bathroom faucet started to drip we decided to give this one a try.  I love the quality.  Just be warned it does say the brand name on the top.  Luckily this is just a temporary fix until we get to the full remodel.  But now we know we like this style.  So we'll probably stick with something similar.



5. Flour sack towels - I had 5 flour sack towels that I used until they were about falling apart.  So I just ordered this 12 pack and love them.  They dry really well and are a great size.  I use them in my homemade fry recipe.  Check it out here.  They are great for everything.  And I love that I now have enough to use them for all my kitchen needs.


What have you been loving lately??

XOXO,

Heather

Friday, August 13, 2021

Home made oven fries

 Fries!!!

Do you love french fries?  I do.

 Nate does too.  We especially love spicy fries with tacos.  I'm not sure why.  It just works. 

I used to buy the frozen ones.  The last couple of times I got them they came out of the oven really greasy.  I'm not a health freak by any stretch of the imagination.  But I don't like overly greasy food.  

So, I decided to try to make homemade fries.  

since we always have potatoes in the house it was easy to try.

It took me a few times but I think I have it now!

Here we go!



Step 1: Cut and slice

You can make them whatever size you like.  Just remember the thicker they are the longer they have to be in the oven.  I use 4 large russet potatoes. (we like leftovers )

 
Step 2: soak the potato slices
 
let the potato pieces soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.  I usually cut mine up and get them soaking as soon as I get home from work.  That way when its time to make dinner they are ready to go.

I use my salad spinner to soak them.  That way i can pull the basket out of the water and it is easy to drain and rinse the potatoes.  

Look at the starch left in the water!



 
Step 3: Rinse and dry
 
I use a flour sack towel to dry them.  It's the easiest way I found.  I tried spinning them in the salad spinner, but it gets off balance easy that way.  #oops #wobble
 
Do you spy my little beagle helper sleeping on the floor?  He's always around to lend a hand(or paw)
 
 

Step 4:  Season   (please ignore the backsplash...we have renovations going on.  I'll share more once we get further along in the process)

Move the fries into a bowl or bag and add seasoning!

I use:
 
about 2 Tbsp of olive oil
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
4 tsp paprika

You can add just oil, salt and pepper to make plain fries.  Or whatever spices you like.

They're good any way!



Step 5: Mix and arrange in a single layer

This one is easy. Just make sure you try to keep them in a single layer.  They bake much better this way.

Step 6: Bake!

Bake the fries at 425 F for 15-20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 F for about another 20 minutes.  Or until your desired crispiness.


That's it!  Easy right?  Let me know if you like them!


XOXO,

Heather