FREEZING POTATO FRIES

CUTTING UP IDAHO POTATOES TO MASH AND FREEZE

Whenever I make mashed potatoes I usually cut up about 7 Idaho potatoes.  I add to the boiling water the amount of potatoes I think I need for the meal and the potatoes that are left over I season and freeze.  Now, keep in mind I am fixing mashed potatoes for 6 people, 5 of which are boys), so you may end up freezing a lot more fries than I have pictured. 

So, after I cut up my potatoes, (I leave the skin on) I simmer them in salt water until partially cooked.  Not too long, you don't want them to be mushy!! Drain them, put them in a bowl and toss them with seasoning.  (I use seasoning salt, ground pepper, and a little Cajun seasoning to spice them up).  

Then I place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Normally I cover the pan in wax paper and then put the potatoes down, but i totally forgot when i did these and they still came off the pan easily.

Then I place them on a rack in the freezer for about an hour or until frozen through. Don't forget about them because you don't want them to get freezer burn!!

After they are frozen, take them off of the pan and place them in a zip lock bag, labeled with the date.

When you are ready to cook the potatoes toss them with 2 tbs of olive oil, put on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees until golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).  Don't forget to occasionally turn them.