Sweeter Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, also known as yams, are a starchy, root vegetable. A medium-size yam is about 100 calories and is rich in fiber and Vitamin A (which acts as an anti-oxidant and improves eye-sight.)

Quite a few years ago, I went to Orlando, FL with my family. There we dined at Emeril’s Restaurant, where I had a meal that I still remember. I started with the shrimp and andouille gumbo, then I had the double cut pork chop with caramelized sweet potatoes and a banana cream pie was for dessert. I can still recall the taste of all three courses – it was an exceptional meal. The item that stood out the most however were the caramelized sweet potatoes, which, had I not known any better, I’d say were pure candy.

I’ve never attempted cooking my own version until tonight. And even though I’m sure my method is more primitive than Emeril’s, I came unexpectedly close in taste.

(Yield: 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 large yams

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp dried basil

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with foil, set aside.

Wash and dry the potatoes, and cut into 1” cubes. In a large bowl, mix together the oil, honey and seasonings. Then toss the potatoes in the mixture and place on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 35-40 min, or until tender. Serve right away.