Fries - Fat = Friggin Perfection!

There are few things in life I crave more than piping-hot, crispy french fries and truthfully,  they were basically the only real things I could stomach during my pregnancy.  5 months of the gagging, barfing sleeping, crying on repeat with no real reprieve.  But finally when I began to emerge as half a human again it became very clear, very fast that fries for breakfast, lunch and dinner wouldn't exactly cut it for several reasons, starting with clogged arteries and ending with a shit ton of cottage cheese on my already expanding thighs.  Speaking of which, cottage cheese would have been a perfectly suitable pregnancy snack but let's face it ladies, when salty goodness is what we want salty goodness is WHAT WE GET! Sheesh :) So....I discovered a GENIUS fry substitution that satisfied even the pickiest of pregnant gals. Introducing: POLENTA FRIES!!! This semi-homeade recipe is cheap, easy, a total crowd pleaser and super healthy.  So while my love of fries is up there with my feelings for The Grateful Dead, date night w my hubby, and Chanel, at least I know I can satisfy this sinful craving with a a simple, sensational solution.

McDonald's medium fries:  365 calories, 17 grams of fat,  a whole lotta guilt

Polenta fries:  150 calories, 3 grams of fat, a whole lotta deliciousness (Vegan, Gluten-free and tastes amaz with ketchup)

Here's the recipe.  Lemme know what you think

1 (18-ounce) log Trader Joe's Organic Polenta http://www.traderjoes.com

1-2 tablespoons olive oil (your call)

2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Prepare polenta by cutting into 1/2-inch discs, then strips (about 3 to 4 strips per disc).  In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic powder (if you choose) and oregano to combine.  Gently toss even layer on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle with sea salt  Bake until slightly browned and crisp on edges, 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through one time.  Serve with ketchup.  Makes 4 servings.