USING PLASTIC WRAP IN THE OVEN RECIPES

Steps:

• OVEN: Heat oven to 450 degrees. Baking time is 35 minutes. No need to turn the fries! MAKING OVEN FRIES: Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray if you are using a regular cookie sheet. I use an Aire Gourmet baking sheet, and if you like these fries, it is worth the investment of buying one. Because olive oil does not smoke at high temperatures when using this baking sheet, and the fries are a gorgeous golden brown. (I prefer to use parchment paper, which I don't grease, and it makes the removal of the fries a snap to prepare from oven to serving bowl.)
• Soak the cut potatoes in ice water for at least 30 minutes. Don't skip this step as it makes them crisp.
• Blot cut potatoes on a clean tea towel to remove moisture.
• Combine all dry ingredients in a plastic bag.
• Add potatoes tossing and kneading lightly to coat.
• Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil. Tossing and kneading again to coat.
• Arrange potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. No need to turn potatoes during cooking. Be sure to check them often to see how they are doing. Remove any potatoes into a paper towel-lined bowl that get done early so they don't get overdone. I also like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup! Enjoy!
• Here is how they look!
• MAKING POTATO WEDGES: Prepare your potatoes as you would for oven fries, except cut your potatoes into wedges and, follow the rest of the steps in the recipe. When it comes time to bake the wedges, put them on parchment paper to bake and allow a few minutes extra to make sure they are done. No need to turn during baking. Enjoy!
• Cook's Tip: Don't throw out the leftover fries, or wedges! Wrap them in tinfoil and refrigerate. Leftover fries and wedges make great tasting eggs! Here is how I make mine. Chop up the leftover fries or wedges and lightly brown them in a little olive oil, turn them over and grate a little cheese over the hot potatoes. I use about 1 tablespoon sharp cheddar. Push the potatoes to the side of the skillet and add two eggs, scramble them and gently fold into the potatoes, cook a minute and flip them over, cook one minute more and turn out onto a plate. Add salt and pepper if desired. Good eating! Enjoy!
• Update! Newest Version: When I am in a hurry, and we need potatoes really fast for a meal, I zap a large potato with peeling on in the microwave until almost done, then I cut it into chunks. I use a cast iron skillet and put olive oil in it, not much, put in the taters and season them with the same seasonings as the fries (except the Parmesan cheese because it scorches). As soon as they are nicely browned, I remove them to a stainless steel bowl (it keeps them hot) and toss them with the Parmesan cheese. Voila! You have delicious "roasted" potatoes with your meal. Great with bacon and eggs, too!

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to upper middle position and preheat oven to 475 degrees. Coat rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil.
• Place hash browns and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high power until butter is melted and hash browns are defrosted, about 5 minutes. Remove plastic wrap, stir well, and let cool.
• Whisk egg, scallions, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
• Add to hash brown mixture and stir until incorporated.
• Divide mixture into 10 equal-sized balls and set aside on a large plate.
• Place oiled baking sheet in oven and heat until oil is just beginning to smoke, about 6 minutes.
• Remove baking sheet from oven, and working quickly, place potato balls on hot baking sheet.
• Spray each ball with cooking spray then press each one into a 1/2-inch-thick disk using a metal spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
• Bake until potato pancakes are golden brown on bottom, about 10 minutes. Flip pancakes over, press down using metal spatula, and bake until crisp and golden brown on second side, about 8 minutes.
• Place pancakes on a plate lined with paper towels and let drain briefly. Garnish with sour cream and chives, if desired.