HAND TOWELS FOR KITCHEN RECIPES

Steps:

• Leaving the skin on, cut the potatoes into long thin strips and put in a large bowl of clean water to remove some starch, prevent them from sticking together, and stop the oxidizing process.
• In a cast iron skillet fitted with a thermometer, or a small fryer, heat the oil until it reaches 275 to 300 degrees F. Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry. Working in small batches, fry the potatoes until they go from shiny to matte, 3 to 5 minutes (this is also called blanching). Drain well on paper towels. Re-heat the oil until it reaches 350 degrees F and fry the potatoes again, also in small batches, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
• Remove from the oil, drain well, and toss with sea salt and malt vinegar, or any other seasoning you prefer. You can also fry fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme with the potatoes. Serve hot.

Steps:

• For the funnel cakes: Add enough oil to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to come 2 inches up the sides of the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it registers 360 degrees F on a deep-frying thermometer. Line a baking sheet with a metal cooling rack or a few layers of paper towels.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the milk, vanilla and eggs in a large measuring cup.   
• Sift together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl using a mesh strainer (to break up any lumps in the brown sugar). Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture just until smooth and combined.    
• When the oil is up to temperature, use your finger to cover the hole in the bottom of a 1- to 2-cup funnel (with at least a 1/2-inch hole) and fill it to the top with about 3/4 cup of the batter. Position the funnel over the pot of hot oil and remove your finger to release the batter. Let the batter flow into the oil in thick squiggles, moving the funnel within a contained circular shape about 8 inches in diameter. Fry on the first side until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then use a spider or tongs to carefully flip to the second side and fry for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove to the wire rack or paper towels and let drain and cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter.    
• For topping: Dust the funnel cakes generously with the confectioners' sugar, sprinkle with cinnamon and dollop with whipped cream before serving warm.