I know that to some, I’m speaking blasphemy when I start talking about replacing the beloved candied yams with a dish that’s more healthful. I prefer to think of it however, as making choices. Choosing to do something with fresh sweet potatoes will still let you get in that dallop of whipped cream without breaking your diet. And let’s face it, taking a vegetable and sticking marshmallows and sugary syrup all over it–really isn’t that healthy.
Sweet potatoes are a solid staple at our house. They’re healthier than potatoes as far as vitamins go and my kids really, really hate raw carrots. . .so the sweet potato offers the perfect alternative for the ‘orange’ section of our diet.
Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, sweet potatoes (fresh ones) are likely to be on sale. For a healthier take on the traditional candied yams, why not try one of these instead? (You can by the way, cook sweet potatoes exactly like you’d cook a baked potato.)
Spicy Sweet Potatoes
You will need:
2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut (lengthwise) into strips (1/3 inch on each side)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon of garlic salt
Directions:
Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to help make clean up a snap.
In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix to evenly coat potato strips. Place potato strips on lined cookie sheet (allow space between individual strips for even cooking).
Bake for 15 minutes at 450 (or until potatoes become crispy) turning strips every 5 to 7 minutes (or as needed).
Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
Bake 6 potatoes as you normally would. Carefully scrape out the pulp of the potato and put it in a medium bowl. Add about ¼ cup of milk, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and ½ tsp of allspice. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher and then stuff the whipped potatoes back into their shells. Top with honey butter.
To make the honey butter: Mix together ¼ cup of margarine or spread able butter with 1/8 cup of honey.