Hello, this is Stephanie, I can't come to the phone right now so please leave me a message & I'll get back to you just as soon as I come back from here...
Islamorada, FL is one of my favorite places because I always feel like I am in the Bahamas yet it's just a short drive away especially when the drive is broken up by stops to my best friend, Tara or my sister Lauren, who are also coming along with their guys. This weekend will be my 5th time there but just my 2nd time at the Full Moon party below & the 1st going as a couples weekend. Islamorada means feeling laid back with a boat ride to the sandbar, visits to the tiki bar, breakfast on the water, seafood.......
Every Full Moon, Pierre's Restaurant (above) hosts a large beach party with multiple bonfires in the sand & many different specialty drinks available at indoor & outdoor bars. You can find couples as well as families relaxing on adirondack chairs, tropical colored tiki tables & stools, or on blankets, enjoying the Reggae band in the center of the beach, while DJ's maintain the dance & party vibe. There's also Brazilian Capoeira dancers, Bahamian Junkanoo Parade, a circus thru the beach (stilt walkers, fireblowers, acrobats, etc.), face painters, balloon artists, giant screen TV’s & fireworks. 
I bought these red baskets at a restaurant supply store along with the waxed paper which I no longer have. They're perfect for hot dogs & french fries.
Just as I like to always have a cocktail while cooking, it's the same for when I am packing for a trip. So, last night while having my solo night & before watching the last bits of Serendipity, I put the iPod on high, poured a nice cold Blue Moon. Then, I noticed 2 lonely potatoes on the counter & felt the need to make french fries. It's been years since I've made french fries at home. French fries are my chocolate....if I could have them everyday I would. I'm almost regretful they came out so good because now I am going to want to do it again. So simple:
Potatoes, skin on
Vegetable Oil
Peanut Oil
Heat oil in a deep pan. I only put an inch or so of oil & since I ran out of veggie oil I added some peanut oil. I really think it contributed to the taste so next time I will purposely do the same. Cut the potatoes into uniform ¼ inch sticks. Place in oil & fry for 10 minutes, turning periodically. Drain on paper towel & sprinkle with sea salt, pepper & a tiny bit of garlic powder.
Vegetable Oil
Peanut Oil
Heat oil in a deep pan. I only put an inch or so of oil & since I ran out of veggie oil I added some peanut oil. I really think it contributed to the taste so next time I will purposely do the same. Cut the potatoes into uniform ¼ inch sticks. Place in oil & fry for 10 minutes, turning periodically. Drain on paper towel & sprinkle with sea salt, pepper & a tiny bit of garlic powder.
The good news is there was sooo much oil left in the pan so how much could have really gotten into the french fries ?
Happy Weekend All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have fun....OOOO it looks like a heavenly place to be right NOW! Relax and take lots of pictures and when you post it will be just like we were there with YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so not liking you very much right now...but have a good time anyway.
ReplyDeleteI want to be there, RIGHT NOW!
ReplyDeleteHey, wait a minute! You forgot to invite me!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
It's been years since I've been to Islamorada. You'll have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteBefore Burdine's became Macy's- they had some major sales. My husband went over and went crazy= where else- kitchen gadgets. He brought home a counter top frier that is covered and cool to touch when in use. Of course he ran with it because of the newness of it. It's one of his favorite toys. He cleans it and strains the oil-takes very meticulous care of it.
Sometime try the Tony Chachere's on the fries.
You are so lucky to have the flavor of the Bahamas so close.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I were there with you. You know you need me to make martinis!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I make fries in the oven and they are really delish and healthier! Just microwave them for ten minutes then throw them i the oven with a little bit of Pam sprayed on.
Sometimes I also do fries in the oven- especially sweetpotato fries. Good point Molly! I use olive oil- I'm kind of weird about Pam but maybe I shouldn't be- I haven't read the label.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I am soooo jealous! That retreat looks like a blast. I'll have to note to myself if I am ever in FL, I MUST check it out! Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I think this post qualifies as unhumane torture. You are such a tease, showing us all the fun you'll be having and not inviting us along! How could you?! hehe
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Oh, your weekend looks like so much fun! Can't wait to hear all about it!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, on the fries - I have come to the conclusion that fried food is just not as bad for you as the media and medical community would have us all believe. Because like you, when we've made things like fried okra, french fries or anything else (usually use a fry daddy just becuase it's easier) - we have noticed that the amount of oil left in it afterwards is virtually the same as what we started with, even after a whole batch of something. So with something like a 1/4 cup of oil added to the dish, how bad can it actually be for you to eat a portion? I've totally gotten over it here and we make fried stuff probably once or twice a month now. Hubby is in heaven, LOL! PS I am off to blog about your tag!
I want to go there NOW!
ReplyDeleteA relaxing weekend sounds heavenly... that and some homemade fries!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place! And those fries look heavenly. I think they are a close second to chocolate in my book.
ReplyDeleteI want to be there with you.
ReplyDeleteI also want to drink a Blue Moon with ya. Did you at least put a slice of orange in it? That's what we do here. Yum!
Will you marry me?
ReplyDeleteYOu know that you adore your blog but I thought that I would show you. Some awards for you. Go and see.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm nom nom nom nom! Those french fries look so good.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a fun weekend.