You haven't had a french fry until you've had a homemade french fry. These are crunchy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and absolutely nothing like what you get in the drive-through. Fine Cooking has some tips for getting our homemade fries just right.

First things first: russets are the potato we want for frying, according to Fine Cooking. They say these potatoes have a high starch content and mild flavor that make them perfect for crisping up in the fryer and seasoning with salt or any number of toppings.

They also say to soak the potatoes after cutting them into uniform fries. This gets rid of the excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which would otherwise make the fries brown too quickly.

Speaking of frying, Fine Cooking recommends using a neutral oil like peanut or canola. These have a high smoke point and will also let the natural potato flavor of the fries stand on its own.

And finally, try double-frying your fries. Fry them at a lower temperature to cook the potatoes and then a second time at a slightly higher temperature to crisp them up. The extra dip in hot oil is worth it for perfectly golden fries with a smooth, creamy texture.

Got it? Good!

• Read the Full Article: How to Make French Fries from Fine Cooking
• Get the Recipe: Classic French Fries from Fine Cooking

Do you ever make french fries at home?

Related: Weekend Meditation: Fear of Frying

(Image: Beer Battered Cajun Fries/Nealey Dozier)