sweet potato fries with truffle salt & garlic mayonnaise

There are a few times a year when I miss Pittsburgh weather. Right now is one of them. Temperatures in the Steel City have been topping out around 80 while here in Seattle it's seems as though Mother Nature has forgotten to take her meds. It actually snowed this week. Snowed. In the middle of April. In Seattle, where, mind you, it doesn't even snow in January. The random snow has been interspersed with days of hail, wind, rain and of course just enough sunshine to remind us all of what we're missing. Thank you Mother Nature. Please re-fill your prescriptions and start thinking happy (sunny) thoughts.

The few days of sunshine have left me aching to get my grill out. (I'm sorry to report that it is sitting idly in my garage. I'm afraid the thing might blow away in a freak windstorm!) Even though grill season hasn't exactly started, I've already been brainstorming about what wonderful things I can grill up once it's time. These sweet potato fries are a result of the thought process. While they don't require a grill, they will pair wonderfully with many outdoor inspired meals. Plus, this gave me a chance to try out my new mandolin slicer. If you've never had a sweet potato fry, it's time to broaden your fry horizon. They're amazing... of course, most things dipped in mayonnaise are. Enjoy!

sweet potato fries with truffle salt & garlic mayonnaise
makes 4 to 6 servings

5 sweet potatoes, cut into about 1 by 5 inch "fries"
3 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 teaspoons truffle salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 clove of garlic, minced then crushed
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the sweet potato "fries" on a foil lined baking sheet and toss with the olive oil. Bake until golden, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir to combine. When the sweet potato fries come out of the oven, sprinkle with truffle salt and pepper. Serve with the garlic mayonnaise along side for dipping.