Cincinnati Style Chili Cheese Fries!

In my latest vlog, Chili Cheese Fry Day, you will see that I made Cincinnati style chili cheese fries. Here is the recipe if you found yourself with a watering mouth after viewing this video. If you do not live within 100 miles of Cincinnati, you may be out of luck when it comes to finding Gold Star or Skyline chili. Chili cheese fries may not be healthy, but they are delicious.

This recipe is sufficient for two servings and can be stretched to 3 or 4 if used as a side or party platter.

You need:

• 3 standard Idaho potatoes
• 1 can of Cincinnati style chili (Gold Star is the best, Skyline will work)
• Cream Cheese (Use amount you prefer. I use 1/2 of a block)
• Shredded cheese (Use amount you prefer)
• Salt (optional)
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Small sauce pan
• Cooking oil
• Large bowl
• Water
• Large fryer scoop or ladle
• Plate 
• Paper towels

Preparation:

1. Begin heating the oil in the frying pan on medium heat. It is best to start this prior to the other task for time efficiency. Use enough oil to cover the fries while they are in the pan cooking.
2. Begin heating the chili in the small sauce pan on low heat. Cincinnati style chili can burn easily. Heat slowly for best flavor. Stir occasionally.
3. Wash potatoes thoroughly. I prefer to leave the skin on. You may peel them if you choose. Slice potatoes long-ways into 1/4" slabs. Then slice the slabs into 1/4" fry strips.
4. Add water to your large bowl until it is half full or half empty. I am a positive person so I like half full. As you cut the fries, place them in the bowl of water to soak.
5. After slicing all of your fry strips, rinse them under running water while leaving them in the bowl. This removes the starch and makes for better flavor and easier frying.
6. Prepare plate with a layer of two paper towels to absorb grease.
7. VERY IMPORTANT!!! DRY THE FRIES OFF BEFORE PLACING THEM IN THE OIL!!! OIL AND WATER DO NOT MIX!!! ESPECIALLY HOT OIL!!!! 
8. Slowly and gently place the fry strips into the pre-heated oil until you have 1 layer of fries in the pan. Let the fries cook for a few minutes then gently stir to ensure even cooking. Cook until golden brown or until the fries have reached your desired crunchiness. Chili fries will soften after adding chili. I prefer to make them semi-crispy. Do not salt your fries while they are in the oil. Salt kills oil.
9. When the fries have reached your desired crispiness, use scoop or ladle to remove fries from pan and place them on the paper towel plate. Salt to taste.
10. Divide your fries into desired portions or place on a platter. Place fries in an oven safe dish if you wish to melt cheese or keep warm. Cover in chili. 
11. Add cream cheese and shredded cheese. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt cheese if you did not use the oven method.
12. EAT!!!

I hope you enjoy this recipe.