Potato Chips Recipe

Potato chips are a beloved snack all around the world. These crispy, flavorful treats have a long and fascinating history. It is believed that potato chips were first invented in the 19th century, although there are various stories about their origin. One popular tale credits the creation of the potato chip to a chef named George Crum in Saratoga Springs, New York. According to the legend, a fussy customer complained that his French fries were too thick, leading George Crum to slice the potatoes incredibly thin and fry them to a crispy perfection. The customer loved the result, and thus the potato chip was born.

Over time, potato chips became increasingly popular and were produced commercially. However, there is something special about homemade potato chips that cannot be replicated by store-bought varieties. Aunt Sarah had her own unique way of making particularly fine potato chips. Her recipe involved using six large white potatoes, lard, suet, and a few simple techniques to ensure the chips turned out perfectly crispy and delicious.

To make Aunt Sarah's potato chips, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 large white potatoes
- 2/3 cup lard
- 1/3 cup suet
- Salt to taste

Here's how to prepare Aunt Sarah's delightful potato chips:

Step 1: Peel and rinse the potatoes under cold water. This will remove any dirt or impurities from the skins.

Step 2: Dry the potatoes thoroughly by rolling them on a clean cloth. Moisture on the potatoes can prevent them from becoming crispy when fried.

Step 3: Slice the potatoes thinly using a "slaw" cutter or a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.

Step 4: Pat the sliced potatoes between old linen napkins to absorb any excess moisture. Repeat this process until all the potato slices are dry.

Step 5: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat the lard and suet until melted and hot. The ratio of 2/3 lard to 1/3 suet gives the chips a rich and savory flavor.

Step 6: Carefully place a single layer of potato slices into the hot fat. It's important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.

Step 7: Fry the chips until they turn a light brown color. The duration may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the heat of the fat. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 8: Once the chips are golden brown, remove them from the fat using a perforated skimmer. This will allow excess oil to drain off.

Step 9: Place the fried chips on a colander lined with coarse brown paper. The paper will absorb any remaining fat and help keep the chips crispy.

Step 10: While the chips are still hot, sprinkle salt over them to add flavor. You can adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.

It's important to note that Aunt Sarah never allowed the chips to stand in salt water, unlike some cooks. This prevents the chips from becoming soggy.

Aunt Sarah often made potato chips when frying doughnuts. After frying the chips, she would fry several large slices of potato in the fat to clarify it, ensuring that the next batch of doughnuts turned out perfectly.

Six large, thinly sliced potatoes will yield approximately five quarts of potato chips when fried. These homemade chips can be stored for several weeks in a dry place. If you want to reheat the chips before serving, simply place them in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Now that you have mastered Aunt Sarah's recipe for homemade potato chips, feel free to get creative with additional seasonings or dips. Some popular variations include adding barbecue or sour cream and onion seasoning, or serving the chips with a side of tangy salsa or creamy cheese dip.

Fun Fact: Did you know that potato chips are one of the most popular snack foods in the United States? According to statistics, Americans consume approximately 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips each year. That's a lot of crispy goodness!

If you enjoyed making potato chips, you might also like to explore other recipes featuring potatoes as the star ingredient. Here are a few similar dishes you can try:

1. French Fries: This classic dish involves cutting potatoes into long, thin strips, frying them until golden and crispy, and seasoning them with salt. French fries are a popular side dish and can be served alongside burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on their own.

2. Potato Wedges: If you prefer a thicker cut potato, try making potato wedges. These thick slices of potato are seasoned with herbs, spices, and salt, then baked until crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

3. Hash Browns: A favorite breakfast side dish, hash browns are made by grating or shredding potatoes and frying them until crispy. They can be shaped into patties or cooked loose, and are often served alongside eggs and bacon.

4. Potato Skins: This appetizer is made by scooping out the flesh of a potato, leaving a thin layer intact. The potato skins are then brushed with oil, seasoned, and baked until crispy. They are typically filled with cheese, bacon, and other toppings before being served.

These potato-based dishes are all delicious options for those who love the versatility of this humble vegetable. Whether you prefer thin and crispy potato chips or hearty potato wedges, there is a potato dish out there to satisfy every craving.

So go ahead, channel your inner Aunt Sarah, and start making your own tasty potato chips. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the crispy, homemade goodness that only comes from making them yourself.