Homemade fries for kids

As a parent, you naturally want to give your children the best, especially when it comes to food. We all know that moment when children, wide-eyed and begging for fries. Those crispy, golden-brown fries are hard to resist. But you often feel guilty knowing that the fries from the snack bar aren't the most nutritious option. Fortunately, there's a solution that will make both you and your children happy: homemade fries. Not only are they often healthier, but you also have control over the ingredients and can make it a fun family project.

Why homemade fries?

Kids love fries. However, they can often be tempting because of the amount of salt, oil, and other additives. By making your own fries, you control what goes into them. You can fry them with less oil and choose a healthier fat. Your kids won't notice the difference, and you can breathe easy while they enjoy.

Making homemade fries also gives you the opportunity to spend time together in the kitchen. Imagine how much fun it would be to wash and chop potatoes with your children. It's an engaging activity that also teaches them about cooking and healthy eating habits. They'll learn not only about healthy eating but also about patiently waiting for their homemade treat to be ready.

The ideal type of potato

Not every potato is suitable for perfect fries. When you're just starting to cook fries, using the right type of potato is half the battle. Russets or other starchy potatoes are the best choice for fries. These potatoes get crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A tip is to soak the potatoes in cold water. This removes excess starch, making your fries crispier.

Now that you know which potatoes are best to use, it's time for the next step. Let's move on to cutting the fries.

Cutting perfect fries

You've now chosen the right potatoes. The next challenge is cutting the fries. Make sure they're all roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking times, and no one wants undercooked fries. Do you want thick fries or thin strips? The choice is yours!

A French fry cutter can also become your best friend in the kitchen. It allows you to easily cut evenly sized pieces. Do you have little chefs at home? They can help mix the fries with oil and spices. This not only makes it more fun for them but also helps develop their fine motor skills.

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Crispy baking

Your fries are cut and now it's time to fry them. Or perhaps you'd prefer to fry them with less fat? Then try oven-baked fries or even an air fryer. The beauty of the air fryer is that it minimizes oil use. They turn out nice and crispy while using less fat.

Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Drizzle your fries with a little oil and add some salt and any spices you like, such as garlic powder or paprika. Make sure everything is well coated and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

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Learning through play

The kitchen can be a great place for children to learn and experiment. Homemade fries are a prime example. While they're at it, you can teach them about healthy cooking techniques and why it's important to be mindful of what you're eating. You can also vary the seasonings and challenge them to make their own dipping sauce.

Remember, it's important to always practice safety in the kitchen. Keep sharp objects out of reach of little hands and make sure you supervise anyone burning hot surfaces. The most important thing is that you have fun together.

Enjoy your meal!

When the fries are golden brown and crispy, it's time to enjoy your work together. Have some ketchup, mayonnaise, or maybe some homemade yogurt dip on hand. Watch your kids beam with pride as they dip their homemade fries in the sauce. They'll be happy, and you'll be happy!