Beyond Mashed Potatoes Recap

Beyond Mashed Potatoes Class Recap
The “Beyond Mashed Potatoes” class on November 14^th prepared and devoured from right to left Potato Tornadoes, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Hot Honey Sweet Potato Salad, and Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado and Bacon. The group chose to share the recipe below because it is a unique, easy-to-prepare appetizer for any gathering.

Sweet Potato Bites with Avocado and Bacon
INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon 
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 sweet potatoes scrubbed clean, peels on
•  1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium avocados peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake bacon according to directions on package. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate and lightly pat dry. Once cool enough to handle, dice and set aside.
2. If necessary, move the racks to the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil. Brush sheets with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil each. With a mandoline or very sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2- to 1/4-inch slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the oiled baking sheets, then brush tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown underneath, rotating the pans 180 degrees and changing their positions on the upper/lower racks halfway through. Remove the pans from the oven, flip the slices over, then roast for an additional 8 to 11 minutes, until golden on top. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the avocado, lime juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and paprika. Mash lightly with a fork, leaving the mixture slightly chunky. Set aside.
3. Transfer the baked sweet potato slices to a serving plate. Top each with a dollop of the avocado mixture, chopped bacon, and cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source Adapted from
https://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-bites/#wprm-recipe-container-33257

Facts about Regular Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

• Despite their names, regular potatoes and sweet potatoes are not in the same plant family. Regular potatoes are in the nightshade family and sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family.
• Both potatoes are healthier when baked and eaten with the skins still on.
• Both contain more potassium than a banana.
• Both contain about 1/3 of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C.
• Both are nutritious but sweet potatoes are healthier because of the high levels of vitamin A that comes from beta-carotene in their orange flesh.