Sweet, Sweet Potatoes

When we think of classic mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato chips or french fries we are also thinking of the very commonly known white potato. Because of this, we often forget about the white potato’s relative; the sweet potato! The possibilities of sweet potato creations are just as endless as white potatoes. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed full of vitamins, nutrients and fiber!

Before cooking with your sweet potato, make sure you rinse the skin with water!

Here are a few simple ways to prepare sweet potatoes at home:

1. Quick “Baked” Sweet Potato: Use a fork to poke holes around the sweet potato. Place sweet potato on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of the potato) or until soft. Remove and eat with caution-- plate and potato will be hot! Top with a little bit of butter or margarine, cinnamon and/or brown sugar!


2. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: Even though they are called “sweet” potatoes, you can easily make them savory! Swap out French Fries and try this oven baked sweet potato recipe.


3. Sweet, Sweet Slow Cooker for the win!: Long day ahead? Let the slow cooker do the work! The only work you have to do is chopping the sweet potatoes and putting the rest of the ingredients in the pot. See full recipe here:  https://www.eatsmart.umd.edu/recipe/black-bean-and-sweet-potato-chili

For more ways you can cook with sweet potatoes, visit https://www.eatsmart.umd.edu/recipe/recipesearch and search “sweet potato” in the ingredient bar!