Extra-Crispy French Fries

Many restaurants and fast-food chains cook their fries in two steps for extra crispness: Cut the potatoes into strips about 3/8 inch wide. Heat cooking oil to 375° and fry potatoes in small batches so the temperature of the oil is not lowered with the addition of the potatoes.

Cook the potatoes to a light brown; remove to paper towels to cool. After all the potatoes are fried once, fry them again, in batches, until golden brown. Place fries on a paper towel-lined ovenproof platter and keep warm in a 300° oven until all are cooked a second time. Serve immediately.