I love french fries, even though I’ve been known to say I loathe them. The truth is, there’s nothing in the world like walking the boardwalk or through a carnival or amusement park with a paper basket teeming with vinegar soaked and salted fresh cut fries slathered in ketchup. Since most of us associate boardwalks and amusement parks with summer, it makes sense that National French Fry Day would fall on July 13.

Every year, the nation celebrates the french fry with dozens of crispy sliced spud varieties, from beer battered and deep fried, to olive oil tossed and baked. Even though most of us celebrate those golden brown beauties at least once a week, why not cook up something special for National French Fry Day this year?

Making your own french fries is a lot easier than it sounds.

In fact, all you really need are five or six potatoes, vegetable oil and a deep fryer, paper towels, salt and your favorite french fry condiment.

You can peel the potatoes before slicing, or leave the skin. The skin adds a unique flavor to the fries that can’t be beat, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Skin on or off, slice your spuds into strips. The beauty is you can make them as thick or thin as you like.

Heat the oil to 375 degrees and cover the bottom of your fryer basket in a single layer. Drop them into the fryer and cook for four to five minutes. Lift out the basket and let the excess oil drain, then transfer your fries to paper towels to dab off the oil.

Salt to your preference and voila! Delicious, fresh cut fries right from your kitchen.

Top them to your taste with everything from chili and cheese to creamy caesar dressing, melted mozzarella cheese and coarse chopped bacon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

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