sweet potato fries with a spiced caramel dip

One of the best parts about eating out is seeing the different recipes developed by other chefs. This is a prime example. I would never had thought to pair sweet potato fries with a spiced caramel dip. Never in a million years. But when it was on the menu at Jessop's Tavern in Old New Castle (link for travel guide), I had to try it -- and the gamble paid off.

The caramel dip was spiced with paprika and garlic and despite all logic was an amazing pairing with the fries. In fact, it was so amazing that I had to recreate it at home. Here's the copycat recipe:

SWEET POTATO FRIES WITH SPICED CARAMEL DIP:

Servings: 5 people

Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz bag of frozen sweet potato fries, like from Trader Joe's (or use this recipe)

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup canned dulce de leche (available in Hispanic grocery sections)

• 2 tbsp milk or milk substitute

• 1.5 tsp + 1 tsp smoked paprika, separated

• 2 tsp cajun spice blend

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the oil;

2. Add the sweet potato fries to the skillet. If you used a frozen bag, add the salt, black pepper, garlic, and 1.5 tsp of smoked paprika. Do not add this if using the recipe included above.

3. While this cooks, mix together the dulce de leche, milk, cajun spice blend, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl. If it is clumpy, put in the microwave for bursts of 10 seconds to make it easier.

4. Keep pan-frying the sweet potato fries for around 5 to 10 minutes, or until they begin to brown. When finished, pour the fries onto a plate covered with a paper towel to remove the excess oil.

5. Dust the fries with any extra salt or pepper, and dip into the sauce.

6. Enjoy!