Instructions: Peel the potatoes, dry them and slice using a mandolin or other slicer with a setting as close to 1/4-inch square strips as youve got. If your fries are a little thicker than 1/4-inch the recipe will still work, but it wont be an exact clone; and you definitely dont want super thick steak fries here.

Rinse the fries in a large bowl filled with around 8 cups of cold water. The water should become milky. Dump the water out and add another 8 cups of cold water plus some ice and let the fries sit for an hour.

Spoon the shortening into your deep fryer and set it to 375 degrees. On many fryers this is the highest setting.

Remove the fries from the water and spread them out on a towel to dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Dont let them sit much longer then this or they will begin to turn brown.

The oil should now be hot enough for the blanching stage. Split up the fries and add them to the oil for 1 1/2 minutes at a time. Watch them carefully to be sure they dont begin to brown. If they start to brown on the edges, take em out. Remove the fries to paper towels to drain and cool.

When the fries have cooled, put them into a resealable bag or covered container and freeze for 4 to 5 hours or until the potatoes are completely frozen. As the fries freeze you can turn off the fryer, but turn it back on and give it plenty of time to heat up before the final frying stage for your fries.

Split up the frozen fries and add one half at a time to the hot oil. Fry for 4 1/2 to 6 minutes or until the fries have become a golden brown color and are crispy on the outside when cool. The second batch may take a tad longer than the first, since the oil may have cooled. Drain the fries to paper towels and salt generously.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

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