I’m a fry kind-of girl. I’ll admit it openly and I’ll go to a support group if I have to.

But, it won’t make a difference. I won’t give up my fries. 🙂

About a year ago is the last time I remember eating McDonald’s. And it was one of those moments where I truly had no other option. We were in “no-where’s-ville” USA and the bus I was on stopped. Everyone hopped off and walked towards the golden arches. I looked left. Nothing. I looked right. Nothing. McDonald’s it was, I suppose. I actually remember ordering a cheeseburger kids meal, but without the patty. So basically a grilled cheese with a side of fries. I wanted so badly to NOT eat that…so I tried really hard to make the pain minimal.

Giving up fast food has been a LONG journey for me. I grew up eating it pretty regularly and it was a staple in my busy lifestyle I created. “I don’t have time to cook and I’m STARVING!!! I’ll just swing past the drive thru!” Does that sound like you? I feel you, sister! I feel you!

I’ve pretty much gotten rid of all the major chains (Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, etc). But, man, the struggle to free myself from those fries has been tough! That’s really the only thing I “crave” on their menus. It’s the smell, really. I could be pumping gasoline across from a Mickey D’s and smell those puppies, in all their oily goodness, and it takes me right back to a sort of happy place. The smell gets me every time.

Which is why I know they must be laced with meth or something. Seriously. 🙂

At this point in my life, I don’t think I could eat fast food without becoming ill. And that’s really what keeps me from eating it. I just KNOW I will feel bad afterwards. I’ve created healthier alternatives that my body craves and desires and THIS recipe is one of them! Most people say that this method takes too long, but I swear it doesn’t! While the potatoes are cooking away in the oven I tend to the rest of dinner and/or other things I need to do. It’s a chop and drop sort-of thing, and I love it!

Spicy Cinnamon Sweet Potato “Fries”

Ingredients-

• 2 sweet potatoes

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes

• olive oil for drizzling

Directions-

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. While the oven is preheating, cut your potatoes into “fry” strips. I usually cut the spud in half once to lay flat and then start making rectangular fry strips.

3. Mix all of your spices together.

4. Lay potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with spice mixture. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip your fries so the other side will brown and bake for 10 more minutes.