There is a wonderful spice you can buy in the grocery store called ‘Chinese Five Spice’. It’s been around for many centuries and it contains the five major spices used in Chinese cooking: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel and pepper.
4 large Idaho potatoes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice
Preheat oven to 450degrees. Cut potatoes into fries about 2” long and ½” wide (no need to peel potatoes). Arrange in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Drizzle oil over and toss to coat with hands. Sprinkle with salt, then Chinese Five Spice. Roast about 40 minutes, turning once or twice, or until nicely browned (your kitchen will smell fabulous). Although they’re great with steak or hamburgers, I’ve even served them all on their own as an appetizer.