Try these fries on Halloween or anytime.  Is it a trick or a treat?  Looks like French fries (trick), but it’s rutabaga fries (treat) with a sweet, less starchy flavor.  The browned butter adds a mild toastiness.  Serve with garlic aioli or ketchup and treat your family and friends. 

Makes 4- 1 cup servings

Ingredients:

• 3 medium rutabagas (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 3 oz. unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• Ketchup or garlic aioli (see Tip, below) for dipping

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. 
2. Wash and peel rutabaga. Cut rutabaga in half to create a flat surface. Place the rutabaga on the flat side and slice it lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.  Cut each thick slice into 1/2-inch-thick lengthwise sticks similar to French fries.  Pat dry and place fries in a bowl.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the butter foams, then browns and turns into a nutty, toast-colored liquid.
4. Pour the browned butter over the fries and season with salt and pepper.  Gently toss fries until covered with butter.  On a large baking sheet place the rutabaga fries in a single layer.  Roast for 35 to 45 minutes or until browned and tender. Remove baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle fries with salt.   Place on a serving platter and serve fries warm with ketchup or garlic aioli.

Tips:

• Easy Garli Aioli: Mince 2 cloves of raw garlic and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.  Let it set for 10 minutes to remove the bitter taste of raw garlic. Add 1/2 cup of store-bought mayonnaise.  Stir to combine. 
• To make this recipe vegan, use 3 tablespoons of olive oil in place of the butter and skip step 3.

Recipe developed, prepared and photographed by Diane Sokolofski