Sweet Carrot Fries

Sometimes let's face it, you just miss french fries or the idea of french fries.  Thankfully you can take other vegetables and turn them into "fries" so you don't feel like you are missing out.  They won't taste the same and thankfully they won't harm your body or clog your arteries either. 

We've made "fries" with sweet potatoes but since I'm watching my carb intake on a sugar detox, I decided to try it with carrots instead.  I was a little skeptical at first.  Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised at the end result!

These carrot "fries" were sweet and so tasty.  They really complimented the meatloaf I made for dinner over the weekend.  We all loved this simple side dish!  When you look at them, you almost think they are sweet potato fries.  I think I liked these even better though.  Who knew?!



Sweet Carrot Fries
(Serves 3 to 4)

4 cups of matchstick carrots (or about 4 medium size carrots that have been cut into "fries")
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
sea salt to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut up your carrots into "fries" or long rectangles that resemble traditional "fries" as much as possible.  We have a french fry cutter gadget so we have it easy!  :-)  Our looked like this:



In a medium mixing bowl, place 1 Tbsp of the olive oil and 1/2 of the ground cinnamon at the bottom of the bowl.  I think this is critical.... to divide half the seasoning and place the first part in the bottom of the bowl.  Make sure you do this step! --



Then place your carrot fries in the bowl.  Sprinkle top with sea salt.  Now add the remaining half of your seasonings - the other 1 Tbsp of olive oil and the other 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon.  Sprinkle with more sea salt. 

Now your carrot fries have been coated on the bottom and the top.  Mix really well with a large wooden spoon.  (Or use your hands).  Make sure all the fries are coated well. 

Pour them onto an un-greased baking pan.  Since you coated the fries with olive oil, you shouldn't need to add any more to your pan.

Spread them out evenly where none of the fries touch each other.  Like this:



Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes.  You can do them a little more or less depending upon the crispiness and crunchiness you like your "fries."  I found them perfect just after 18 minutes. 

Remove from the oven.  Let them cool for about two minutes.  Then serve and enjoy!



And hopefully you don't live too close to any rabbits.  They will come knocking on your door for these!  Good stuff.  :-)