For some, sandwiches are incomplete without a side of fries. The good news is that they can be made by oven roasting without the mess or calories of deep-fat frying. Here's a simple method for preparing garlicky "fries" in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 450° F. Soak the potato strips in cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain well and roll in a clean dish towel to dry. Toss the strips with the olive oil in a medium bowl.

Spread the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the strips are lightly browned and crispy.

Press the baked strips between sheets of paper toweling. Discard the towels and transfer the fries to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Serve hot.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, spokesperson, and the award-winning author of 12 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with gourmet flair. Paulette’s most recently published cookbooks are “A Beautiful Bowl of Soup” and “The Spirited Vegetarian,” which was voted “Best Book in the World on Cooking with Wine” at the 2005 Gourmand World Media Awards. Paulette says that international travel is her favorite source of culinary inspiration. . To buy Paulette Mitchell's cookbooks, click here.