OVEN FRIES WITH GARLIC AND PARMESAN CHEESE

5 large Idaho potatoes, (about 10 oz each)
2 1/2 tbsp Light olive oil, (not extra-virgin)
1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
3 large Garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
Salt

Peel potatoes, quarter lengthwise and place in cold water to cover. Drain potatoes and blot dry with paper towels.

Heat oil in shallow roasting pan over medium high heat. When hot, add potatoes in single layer without crowding them too much. Brown, turn and brown other sides, about 9 minutes total. Remove from heat. Can be made several hours in advance up to this point and kept at room temperature.

TO FINISH:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F; set rack in middle of oven.

Place potatoes in pan in hot oven. Bake until tender, about 25 minutes. Use tongs to turn once midway.

Just before removing, toss with garlic, red pepper and cheese. Return to oven for a few minutes until cheese melts and garlic is fragrant.

Servings: 6
Chicago Tribune, The Weekend Cook; September 1993