Potato Chips

Since becoming pregnant, our financial outlook has been pretty bleak.  So, it has allowed me to become very creative in order to satisfy some of my cravings.  I love looking for new recipes and things that sound absolutely delicious to me.  My new habit is that when I am craving an item, I check online to see if there is a recipe for it that uses the things I have in the house, or could easily (read - cheaply) obtain.

Last night's craving?  Potato chips.

Now, I love to crack open a bag of Lay's and chill out on the couch with a sappy movie, but last night I decided to try making some.  Here was how I did it:

Potato Chips

2 large russet potatoes
oil for pan - enough for about 1" deep in my trusty sauce pan
salt

First, I scrubbed my potatoes.  Then, I sliced the potatoes with my slicer (the one that is on the back side of a standard cheese grater).  This made them about 1/8" thick.  Next, I soaked them in cold water for about 30 minutes.  Next, I laid them out on paper towel to dry as completely as possible.

While they were drying, I heated my oil on the stove.  If you have a deep fryer, that works, too.  I just don't have one to use...  =)  I have no idea the temperature my oil was, I had the stove on medium, and it seemed to work well.  Now it's time for those taters to take a bath!  Drop a few in the pan.  If the oil sizzles when they go in, it's hot enough.  Fry until golden brown on both sides. (Time will vary, depending on thickness of potatoes).

Pull them out of the oil, and drain on paper towels lined cooling racks.  They will crisp up as they cool.  Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings before they are cooled. 

 Serve!  2 potatoes made about 40 chips for me.