"elaine" > wrote in message news:3ffa08d9$1_4@aeinews....
> I got a deep fryer last year for Christmas - T FAL. I've always used
> vegetable oil and still the fries come out soggy and not at all as I
> remember from my childhood days. Should I be using lard instead? - I have
> the temperature up as far as it can go and wait 'til the light goes off -
> this is indeed a bummer............but you guys have all the answers.
>
> Elaine

It helps if you blanch the fries first and then fry them again. Put them in
the basket and fry for a few minutes, then remove. Let the oil return to
the proper temperature (375F) and return the fries to the oil. Remember not
to fry too many at a time.

Here is a link that explains the process in detail:
http://mvproduce.com/ffries.html