| The Inca's lasting gift to the world, the potato feeds | | | | offered [in The Champagne taste/Beer Budget |
| people all over the planet. Following the discovery of | | | | Cookbook]. Whether you're serving indoors or out, |
| the New World, Spanish plundered the palaces, and | | | | they will add something to your table. |
| their Galleons carried off gold and silver by the ton, | | | | FRENCH FRIES |
| but that was only money. The foods they took from | | | | French fries are available at even the finest |
| Native American farmers would ultimately feed the | | | | restaurants. They're the mainstay of more modest |
| world. Where would we be without corn, or | | | | restaurants, and fast food places. You can prepare |
| chocolate, or potatoes? | | | | great French fries right at home in your own kitchen. |
| Potatoes originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, | | | | You can fry them in a deep pot of boiling oil, but |
| and had been cultivated by the Incas since around | | | | boiling oil is messy and dangerous. They are worth it. |
| 5000 BCE. The Spanish brought them back to Europe | | | | When you taste homemade French fries, you will |
| where they were met with great reluctance. | | | | want to serve them again and again. Invest in an |
| Potatoes weren't mentioned in the Bible, so God | | | | electric fry cooker if you plan to make French fries |
| hadn't ordained them as "Christian food." Potatoes | | | | at home often. |
| are members of the nightshade family; the plant is | | | | French fries aren't French. They're an American |
| poisonous. Potatoes were fed to the inmates of | | | | invention. Thomas Jefferson is supposed to have |
| asylums and prisons. Their wide spread acceptance | | | | served them at diplomatic receptions before |
| came later. | | | | potatoes became popular in Europe. Enjoy French |
| They grow almost everywhere. Potatoes tolerate | | | | fries; they're as American as apple pie. |
| terrible soils and challenging climates. They are the | | | | 4 to 6 medium potatoes |
| first and only food to be grown in space. They grow | | | | Canola oil |
| almost anywhere, and produce generous yields when | | | | Heat the oil to boiling, about 325°F in a deep |
| they do. | | | | straight-sided pan. Better yet heat the oil in fry |
| Potatoes are healthy food. Dieters avoid them | | | | cooker designed for the process. |
| because of the calorie content. They miss out on all | | | | Peel the potatoes if you like. Wash them, and then |
| the essential vitamins and minerals in the potato and | | | | cut them into 1/4" x 1/4" sticks. Let dry on a paper |
| its skin. They also miss out on some great taste | | | | towel. Immerse them in the hot oil and cook for 17 |
| sensations. Eat potatoes in moderation if you are | | | | minutes. Drain, salt and serve. |
| dieting, but do try some of the potato recipes | | | | |