Even Picky Eaters Love Simple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a wonderful alternative to regular mashed potatoes and are very healthy for you. These golden gems cook up easily and even picky eaters find the sweet potatoes enjoyable. They are the perfect side dish to pork or ham.

Mashed sweet potatoes are a great food for babies by providing necessary nutrients for a growing body.

Ingredients:

2 Lbs fresh Sweet Potatoes (about three small sweet potatoes)

¾ Cup Half & Half or milk (approx)

3 Tablespoons Margarine

3 Tablespoons Sugar

2 Teaspoons Salt

Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1 inch chunks. Cover with water and place over medium heat. Boil approximately 20 minutes until fork tender. Drain water.

Add Half & Half or milk, margarine, sugar and salt. Mash the sweet potatoes to a smooth consistency. If the sweet potatoes seem too dry, add more milk or half & half.

Recipe makes four generous servings.

Look for firm potatoes with deep orange color with no bruising when selecting fresh sweet potatoes at the store. Do not store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator as they will develop woody fibers and a bad taste. It is best to store them in an open bin with a temperature around 55 degrees.

Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene (vitamin A) and provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C and Iron. Sweet potatoes were once considered a Thanksgiving tradition. Today, they are growing in popularity throughout the year as health-conscious consumers look for inexpensive ways to stretch their food budget.

Wal-Mart in New Mexico actually carries half and half for less than the equivalent size of milk. With the cream content, it provides a richer, more decadent flavor when cooking allowing you to use less butter or margin. It may not be as healthy for you, but it is a treat for your taste buds!