When my grandfather Sunny was little, he babysat his siblings: Paul, Philip, Maggie, Helen and Barbara. His sister Helen still talks about how exciting it was when Sunny was in charge, because as soon as their parents left, he'd make french fries and serve them all in one huge brown paper bag. So in our home, we've always served them in paper bags.

More from Spike Mendelsohn's vegetarian cookout menu
Ingredients
Fries
  • 5 pounds Red Bliss potatoes
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Canola oil for deep-frying
Mango Mayonnaise
  • 2 cups Homemade Basic Mayonnaise (below)
  • 1 cup store-bought Major Grey's Mango Chutney
  • 2 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
Homemade Basic Mayonnaise
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 cups grapeseed oil
Directions
To make Homemade Basic Mayonnaise: Add the eggs, mustard, vinegar and salt to a food processor or blender. Process for 30 seconds in the food processor, or for 10 seconds in the blender. With the motor running, drizzle in the oil slowly at first, then add in a thin, steady stream until all the oil is added and the mixture is smooth. Stop the motor and taste. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little hot water. If too thin, process a little longer. The mayonnaise can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

To make Mango Mayo: Add the mango chutney to a food processor. Puree until smooth. Add the mayonnaise and condensed milk. Puree until smooth. The mayonnaise can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

To make fries: Wash and scrub the potatoes under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut into rectangular strips about 3/8-inch thick. Rinse the potato strips in cold water for about 2 minutes. Drain.

In a deep pot or deep-fat fryer, heat about 2 1/2 inches of oil until a thermometer reads 250°. Line a metal tray or baking sheet with paper towels.

Add one handful of the potatoes to the pot. Fry until tender but have no color, about 3 1/2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on the paper towels. Repeat until all the strips are cooked. Refrigerate until cool.

Reheat the oil to 350°. Line the metal tray with fresh paper towels.

Add the cooled potatoes a few handfuls at a time and fry them until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on the paper towels. Season with salt and pepper while the strips are still hot. Serve immediately.

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