Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries with Jalapeno Ranch Dipping Sauce

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All the tops chefs do it.  I’ve personally witnessed Paula Deen, Giada and Ina in the act.  Simply put - they take short cuts.  Using a mix or prepared sauce from the grocery store is absolutely fine.  In this day and age you can find good quality prepared foods from your local grocery store to Trader Joe’s and Costco.  Everyone needs to take a break occasionally.

Last month my family dined at Karl Strauss Brewery and had the most enticing appetizer – chili lime sweet potato fries with a buttermilk dipping sauce.  As we literally battled over the last few fries, I realized these are super easy to make at home.  With a sweet potato fry obsession very prevalent in our home, I’ve often bought the Alexis or even Ore-Ida frozen product with huge success.

I figured the other ingredients were pretty easy to congregate.  For the buttermilk dipping sauce, I decided to give dependable Kraft Ranch dressing a little heat by chopping in a whole jalapeno via my food processor.  It gives the dip just enough heat and peppery flavor to accent the sweet fries.  The chili salt is a blend of coarse sea salt and chili powder (using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle).  Finally, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime adorn these sweet, deep orange potatoes.

 Grocery items  transformed into a restaurant style appetizer – I think  even Paula would approve.

Chili Sweet Potato Fries with Jalapeno Ranch Dipping Sauce

Serves 4

1 19 oz. bag  Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries

1 Tbsp.  coarse sea salt

1 tsp. chili powder

1/3 cup ranch dressing

1 chopped jalapeno with seeds

¼ cup chopped cilantro

4 wedges of fresh lime

Bake fries according to package directions.  While baking, combine sea salt and chili powder in a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle.

Combine ranch dressing and jalapeno in a food processor or blender.  Blend until here are only small chunks of jalapeno left.

When fries are done sprinkle with chili salt to taste and fresh cilantro.  Serve with dipping sauce and wedge of lime.