Oven-style Pizza Fries

I made this up with two of my daughter's favorite foods in mind: french fries and pizza. She took one bite and said "These are good! They taste like pizza!" Exactly what I had in mind.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs potatoes
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 3  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano
• 2  teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2  teaspoons mild paprika
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat lightly with oil.
3. Grind fennel seed, oregano and basil into a powder using a spice mill or mortar and pestle.
4. Wash, peel and slice potatoes into thin french fry shapes.
5. Combine ground spices, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, sugar and oil in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Place potatoes and seasoning paste in a large ziplock or plastic bag.
7. Using your hands, move the potatoes around in the bag until they are evenly coated with the seasoning paste.
8. Place potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F.
10. Using a spatula, turn potatoes over and sprinkle with parmesan cheese (if using).
11. Bake for 10-20 minutes more or until fries become golden and start to crisp (time may vary with size of fries).
12. Serve with marinara sauce or ketchup, if desired.