Alpine Fries Recipes

Steps:

• Pour enough oil into a deep fryer to reach at least halfway up the sides of the pan but not more than three-quarters of the way up. Heat the oil to 325°F.
• Cut the potatoes into sticks 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Dry all the pieces thoroughly in a clean dish towel. This will keep th oil from splattering. Divide the potato sticks into batches of no more than 1 cup each. Do not fry more than one batch at a time.
• When the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the potatoes for 4 to 5 minutes per batch. They should be lightly colored but not browned. If your fryer has a basket, simply lift it out the remove the fried potatoes. Otherwise, use a long-handled skimmer to lift out the potatoes. Be sure to bring the temperature of the oil back to 325°F in between batches. At this point the fries can rest for several hours at room temperature until you are almost ready to serve them.
• Heat the oil to 325°F. Fry the potatoes in 1-cup batches until they are nicely browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on fresh paper towels or brown paper bags and place in a warmed serving bowl lined with more paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve. Never cover the potatoes to keep them hot as they will immediately turn soft and limp. If you are inclined to perfectionism, leave some potatoes to fry halfway through the meal so you can serve them crisp and piping hot.

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a large wide pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 300 degrees F. Cut the apples into 1/2-inch-wide sticks to look like fries.
• Working in two batches, toss the apples in the cornstarch until well coated, shaking off the excess. Fry in the hot oil until softened but still pale, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer; let cool. Let the oil return to 300 degrees F between batches.
• Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside. Beat the heavy cream, vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl with a mixer until medium peaks form.
• Increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees F. Working in about three batches, re-fry the apples until crisp and lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain briefly, then toss in the cinnamon sugar until well coated. Serve warm with the whipped cream for dipping.

Steps:

• Cook the French fries following pack instructions, then tip into a heatproof dish and top with the raclette cheese and ham. Heat the grill to medium, then grill for 2-3 mins until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Top with the cornichons, season and serve.