Sweet Potato Fries

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
  

• 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil, melted- You want just enough oil to lightly and evenly coat the fries
  

• Coarse or fine Celtic sea salt – approximately 1 teaspoon or more, depending on how salty you like your fries.
  

• Optional – freshly ground pepper
  

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat

1. 
   

2. Slice off the two skinny ends, and cut the sweet potato in half crosswise.
   

3. Cut each half of the sweet potato into planks about ¾ inch thick. I usually get about 4-5 planks from each half.
   

4. Then, cut the planks into fries. Cut them all evenly, so they all cook at the same rate. I typically get about 4-5 fries per slice. Put the fries in a large bowl and toss them with the coconut oil and sea salt. Use only enough oil to lightly and evenly coat the fries, as you don't want them sitting in a pool of oil.
   

5. Once everything's mixed, lift the fries and space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they're not touching and have ample space around them, or they will get soggy and not crisp up.
   

6. Put the fries in the preheated 450-degree oven on a center rack for 12 minutes, then take them out and flip them over using tongs, a spatula, or your bare hands (which I tend to do because my hands are heat-resistant). Keep an eye on the fries the first time you bake them; every oven is different, and some may cook the fries faster than 12 minutes.
   

7. Once your fries are flipped, put them back in the oven for another 8-10 minutes. (I would check your fries at the 8-minute mark and see how they're doing). You want both sides to be puffed up in texture, evenly browned, and slightly crispy. You don't want to overcook the fries and have them be black, as they will be dry inside and taste charred.
   

8. Dunk these fries into ketchup, your favorite aioli, or some spiked with Sriracha.
   

9. You can peel the sweet potatoes, keep the skin on, and scrub and wash the potatoes. I prefer to keep the skin on, as it adds some dietary fiber.