From Scratch Oven-Fries

This is my husband's new favorite side dish I make. I bought the latest Southern Living magazine and found this EASY recipe in there and tried it out. I cannot believe how simple they are to make and how good they are, too! Plus, they have to be healthier than the alternative because there is no frying involved!! Get creative with the spices, too. I added some seasoning salt and garlic powder to ours.

1 1/2 lb. medium-size baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick strips
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil (you could you olive oil if wanted)
1/2 tsp. kosher or table salt

1. Preheat oven to 450. Rinse potatoes in cold water and drain and pat dry. Toss together the potatoes, oil, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Place a lightly greased wire rack in a jelly-roll pan and arrange potatoes in a single layer on rack.

3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until browned. Serve immediately with ketchup.

Alternative flavors:
*Buffalo Oven Fries: omit salt. Toss 2 tsp. mesquite seasoning, 1 tsp. hot sauce, 1/2 tsp. celery salt and 1/2 tsp. garlic powder with potatoes and oil. Bake as directed. Serve with blue cheese dressing.

*Spicey Cheese Fries: Toss a pinch of ground red pepper with potato mixture and bake as directed. Sprinkle with 1/3 C shredded reduced fat pepper-jack cheese. Bake one more minute or until cheese has melted.

*Italian-Parmesan Oven Fries: Toss 2 tsp. freshly ground Italian seasoning with potato mixture and bake as directed. Sprinkle warm fries with 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese. Serve with warm Marinara Sauce.