Dress-Your-Own Potato Chips

Start to finish: 45 minutes | Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon gold, russets or sweet potatoes*)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 4 cups peanut or canola oil

Instructions

1. First, prepare the seasoning (below) so that it is ready as soon as the potatoes have cooked.
2. Using a mandolin, food processor or a very sharp knife, slice the potatoes into very thin rounds. Be sure to slice them as evenly as possible. Rinse the potatoes under cool running water.
3. Place the slices in a large bowl, then add enough cool water to cover. Add the salt, stir to dissolve, then let sit for 30 minutes.
4. When ready to cook the chips, place the oil in a large saucepan. Heat over medium until the oil reaches 325 degrees F.
5. Drain the potatoes and, working in batches, use a towel to pat the slices dry. Carefully add a quarter of the slices to the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on the thickness of your slices.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the oil and set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Sprinkle with one of the following seasoning blends (or your own), then serve.

Notes

* Sweet potatoes will take longer to fry, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Truffle-Herb: Drizzle the potato chips with 2 teaspoons truffle oil, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt mixed with 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary.

Five-Spice: Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon five-spice powder and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.

Chocolate: Mix 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Also can add a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne.

Parmesan Pepper: Drizzle the potato chips with 1 tablespoon melted ghee, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons powdered (canned) Parmesan cheese mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.