Showing posts with label Sweet Potato. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweet Potato. Show all posts

Thursday, February 22, 2024

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day - Celebrate the Sweet Potato



Nutrition Information

Sweet Potatoes are high in vitamin A and vitamin C and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. They are naturally fat-free, saturated fat-free, low sodium, and cholesterol-free.



How to Select
Choose firm, small- to medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid cracks, soft spots, and blemishes.

How to Store
Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place for use within 3-5 weeks.



Top 9 Ways To Enjoy Sweet Potatoes

1. Bake, Roast, or Steam. Pick a cooking method and enjoy! Use whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes as a side dish to any meal.

2. Mash - Steam peeled sweet-potato chunks for about 10 minutes until tender, and mash with a dash of orange juice.

3. Top Your Salad. Sweet potatoes make sweet salad toppings. Combine diced sweet potatoes, pineapple tidbits, apples, celery, and cashews. Serve over salad greens

4. Sweet Potato Fries. Sweet potato fries make a delicious treat. Quarter sweet potatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-60 minutes. For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper.

5. Substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes in your favorite potato salad recipe.

6. Grill - Slice sweet potatoes into thick ½ inch rounds and grill until lightly browned. Drizzle with lime juice.

7. Add a Twist to Your Sandwiches. Cut thin slices of cooked sweet potatoes and add to your favorite sandwich or wrap instead of tomatoes.

8. Drizzle and Eat - Dice cooked, peeled sweet potatoes and drizzle with maple syrup for a side dish.

9. A Healthy Snack. Try munching on sweet potato chips. Thinly slice a large sweet potato and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.



Resources
2. EatingWell, Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes
3. Sweet Potato Recipes, A Couple Cooks




Monday, November 27, 2023

Sweet Potato Awareness Month: From Our Garden to Table

Sweet Potatoes are one of my favorite superfoods! From their fascinating history to tips on growing, storing, cooking, and their incredible nutritional benefits, I've got you covered. So, prepare to fall head over heels for these delicious tubers that will take your taste buds on a sweet journey!



Did you know that sweet potatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years? Originating in Central America, they quickly spread across the globe, becoming a staple in many cuisines. These versatile gems have stood the test of time and carved out a special place on our plates.

Growing Sweet Potatoes.

Whether you have a green thumb or are a newbie in the gardening world, growing your sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience. These plants thrive in warm climates and require well-drained soil. Planting them in late spring or early summer will allow you to enjoy a bountiful harvest come autumn. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and let's get digging!

Storing

Once you've harvested your sweet potatoes, the next step is storing them properly. Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to keep their flavors intact. Avoid refrigerating them, as it could result in a loss of flavor and texture. Trust me, you want those sweet, creamy characteristics to shine through when you cook them into delicious meals!

Cooking

The culinary possibilities with sweet potatoes are truly endless. Roasted, mashed, fried, or baked into pies, these tuberous wonders add flavor and a healthy twist to any dish. Get creative and experiment with sweet potato fries, wedges, soups, and even desserts. The sky's the limit in the kitchen, so let your imagination run wild!

 Nutritional Facts

Sweet Potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals. Not only do they boost your immune system, but they also promote healthy digestion and contribute to overall well-being. 

So, sweet potatoes have covered you whether you want to add a colorful twist to your meals, boost your health, or just indulge in some scrumptious goodness. These fabulous tubers have captured hearts and palates worldwide, from ancient civilizations to modern-day food enthusiasts.


Sweet Potato Tartlet

This year, I was so excited about our sweet potato crops. I decided to make Sweet Potato Tartlets as an appetizer.




Ingredients
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package (1.9 ounces) frozen miniature phyllo tart shells
15 miniature marshmallows
15 walnuts

 

Directions

1. Place sweet potato in a small saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain.

2. Mash sweet potato with butter, syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.

3. Place 1 tablespoon of potato mixture in each tart shell. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Top with marshmallows. Bake at 350° for 8-12 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly browned. Yield about 15 tartlets.

 





November, Sweet Potato Awareness Month: Stuffed Sweet Potato with Cranberry-Walnut Relish




Recipe: Stuffed Sweet Potato with Cranberry-Walnut Relish,
 serves 2
1 medium Sweet Potato
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar 
2 teaspoons Unsalted Margarine or Butter, room temperature 
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon 
Dash Ground Nutmeg 

1/4 cup Cranberry-Walnut Relish
2, 1 oz slice Raisin Bread
2 teaspoon Honey


Preheat oven to 400° F. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork.   Place sweet potato on baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 45 minutes or until soft. 


Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out potato and place in a small bowl. Leave the potato skin intact. Add unsalted butter or margarine and the spices to the sweet potato and mash. 


Divide the mashed sweet potato in two and add back to the potato skins. Place on baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until browned. 
Top each stuffed sweet potato half with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cranberry-walnut relish.



Nutrition Information
Sweet Potatoes are high in vitamin A, high in vitamin C, good source of dietary fiber and potassium. They are naturally fat-free; saturated fat free; low sodium; and cholesterol free.






Resources
2. EatingWell, Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes





Friday, August 11, 2023

National Julienne Fries Day
Baked Julienne Sweet Potato and Carrot Fries

Julienne is a cutting technique - to "julienne" is to cut veggies, potatoes or other foods into thin strips - matchsticks. 


Baked Julienne Sweet Potato and Carrot Fries
Yields 3 Servings (5 ounces)


Ingredients
1 Sweet Potato (peeled)
4 large carrots
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Cumin
Coarse Kosher Salt, to taste

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Julienne the sweet potato and carrots.
3. Combine the cumin and cornstarch in a small bowl.
4. In a large mixing bowl, pour the olive oil over the julienne vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Stir in the cumin and cornstarch.
5. Lay the veggies as flat as possible on a large baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, flip the fries halfway through. Watch to make sure they don't get too crisp.
7. During the last 5 minutes, use tongs to stir.



ChefSteps Tips & Tricks: 
Julienne Hella Veggies in a Flash







Monday, November 1, 2021

November Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. To view the entire Newsletter online click hereWellness News is updated daily and links are provided. 




November


November Highlights


American Diabetes Month

Military Family Appreciation Month

Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month and
COPD Awareness Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

National Healthy Skin Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Hospice Palliative Care



National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Prematurity Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
Family Stories Month
World Vegan Month





National Roasting Month
Banana Pudding Lovers Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
National Georgia Pecan Month
National Pepper Month
National Pomegranate Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Raisin Bread Month
Sweet Potato Awareness Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness 

MADD's Tie One On For Safety Holiday 
Native American Heritage Month

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 2011 Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.


November 2011

November Highlights

American Diabetes Month

Military Family Appreciation Month

Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Epilepsy Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month and
COPD Awareness Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

National Healthy Skin Month
National Long term Care Awareness
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Hospice Palliative Care

National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Prematurity Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
Family Stories Month

World Vegan Month


National Roasting Month
Banana Pudding Lovers Month
Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
National Georgia Pecan Month
National Pepper Month
National Pomegranate Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Raisin Bread Month
Sweet Potato Awareness Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness
PTA Healthy Lifestyle Month
MADD's Tie One On For Safety Holiday (11/16-12/31)
Native American Heritage Month







Dietitian Blog List