sweet potato fries.

Let’s begin by explaining my relationship with sweet potato fries has been a rocky one.  Typically anything in potato form – sweet or regular – is good in my book, but after ordering this (should be) delicious side numerous times, I’ve always ended up disappointed.

But whyyyy?

I couldn’t answer this until we ate the amazing Char Bar in Kansas City.  Maybe it was the hangover from our Big 12 Tournament adventure, but these fries rocked my world.  And do you know what the answer was?  Salt instead of sugar!  Come on, guys.

Every restaurant I had ordered this starchy side at previously had topped them with sugar, sending my taste buds on a journey of confusion.  I want a sugary treat after my bacon cheeseburger, not alongside it.

It’s been over a month since our KCMO visit and my fried sweet potato craving was growing.  Still not trusting the local restaurants, I hit the books.  Recipe books, that is.  And leave it to The Pioneer Woman to save the day once again.

Find her original recipe here, or if you have her Dinnertime recipe book, find it on page 308!

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and peel your sweet potatoes.

Then, cut each potato into slices.  Make sure to use a really sharp knife, these babies are tough!  After slicing, cut in the other direction to create sticks (soon to be yummy fries!).

Put them in a bowl and set aside while you begin prepping the unbelievable seasoning.

Seriously… wait until you smell what’s about to happen on your stove…

It may look like nothing, but butter combined with garlic, chili powder, seasoned salt and pepper will have your taste buds drooling!

Pour that scrumptious mixture over the fries and mix around with your hands until fully coated.  And try to contain yourself – it’s difficult.

Arrange them on a baking sheet and toss around so they aren’t crowded.  I halved the recipe since I’m only feeding two, but if you are making the full PW batch, it requires two baking sheets!

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, shaking the pan every few minutes.  Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Oh, and of course… sprinkle with salt!

The original recipe (here) also shows a mayo/Sriracha dipping sauce.  We opted for a chipotle mayo already in the fridge, but go with what makes sense to you!

Here is what you’ll need for the halved recipe:

• 3 sweet potatoes
• 1/2 stick butter (I used unsalted, but either works)
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt for sprinkling

Cut the sweet potatoes as directed above.  Melt the butter on the stove top and stir in remaining ingredients.  Top fries with mixture and bake.  Easy as that!
Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!  Enjoy.

xoxo.  a

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