Caring for a senior is sometimes taxing on both the senior and the caregiver. With that, it is important to always find times for fun and celebration. Seniors and loved ones do not have to wait for larger holidays to celebrate as there are plenty of smaller recognized days based on our favorite foods that provide a chance to connect. One such day is National French Fry Day.
History of the French Fry
July 13th is National French Fry Day. French fries are a staple in homes and restaurants across the country. The term “French Fried Potatoes” appeared in 1856 in Cookery for Maids of All Work by E. Warren. The use of “French” to describe the food appears to have been added when American soldiers entered Belgium during World War I and tasted “Belgium Fries.” They called them “French” because that was the language spoken by the Belgium army at the time.
Also known as chips, fries, or finger chips, French fries are a classic food that comes in many shapes and sizes (sticks, wedges, waffled, curly), and in different flavors (plain, Cajun, lemon pepper, truffle). With the need to manage health concerns paramount, seniors can select healthier vegetables to make French Fries like sweet potato, broccoli, or cauliflower.
How to celebrate French Fry Day
National French Fry Day provides an opportunity for both seniors and family caregivers to be creative a try new variations of a traditional side dish. Below are a few fun options for French Fry Day:
- French Fry Bar: Try making French fries from different types of foods, such as sweet potatoes or zucchini, use some different seasonings on the fries such as Cajun or lemon pepper, or use a variety of dips besides the classic catsup.
- Trip to local eatery: Take a walk or a quick drive to a local restaurant or diner for some French fries. On days like these, restaurants may have specials that include free fries.
- Find your own recipe: French Fry Day can be an opportunity to take a chance and try something new. Use a cookbook or pull a recipe from the Internet and create a French fry dish that you would never try.
Although July 13th is National French Fry Day, any day is a great day for fries. The recipe below is for a healthier preparation of French fries. Enjoy them in their classic form or use them as the base for a creative meal.
Oven Fries
Ingredients
- 1 large baking potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- salt
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the oil and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Coat baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the potatoes in a single layer.
- Bake until golden and crisp, about 35 minutes.
- Remove the fries with a spatula and season with salt.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
Latest posts by Becky Moultrie (see all)
- Five Things You Should Know About In-Home Care - April 7, 2023
- Are There Healthy Alternatives to Caffeine for Seniors? - March 31, 2023
- Home Care Assistance Covers a Range of Services and Support - March 24, 2023
Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
