Now They’re Cooking

What was once a staple in your grandma's kitchen can now be found in the finest restaurants of world class chefs. And every chef has there on unique way to prepare them. Wolfgang Puck has a baked Sweet Potato Crisp. Bobby Flay, famous for his Southwestern cuisine prefers his sweets grilled, of course. Rachel Ray has a yummo Sweet Potato Chicken Soup. As you can see, there are a lot of ways to cook Sweet potatoes! They have the rare distinction of being sophisticated enough for fine dining, yet super easy to make right at home.

As promised last week, I am delivering myriad methods to prepare Sweet Potatoes and there really are so many wonderful ways to prepare these guys! Just remember when cooking sweet potatoes whole, pierce the skin first. Exact cooking times depend on the size and method. The cooking times given here are based on medium-sized sweet potatoes, weighing about 8 ounces each.

How can you cook sweet potatoes? Let us count the ways...

1. Roast whole or halved sweet potatoes at 450ºF for 25 to 35 minutes.
2. Sauté sliced or diced sweet potatoes in hot olive oil or vegetable oil for about 10 minutes.
3. Quick boil by adding 1-inch thick slices to a skillet with 2 inches of boiling water; cook for about 12 minutes. Alternatively, steam over simmering water.
4. Microwave whole sweet potatoes on high for 5 to 8 minutes, rotating halfway through.
5. Micro-bake whole sweet potatoes by microwaving for about 4 minutes, then baking in a 450ºF oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Grill or broil 1-inch thick slices for about 10 minutes. Sweet potatoes, cut lengthwise in halves, will need 20 to 25 minutes to cook.
7. Oven Fry sliced or julienned sweet potatoes by lightly brushing with oil and baking at 450ºF for about 30 minutes. Arrange in single layer and turn once during cooking.
8. Deep Fry thinly sliced chips or French fries in 400º oil until golden brown. Usually 3-7 minuted depending on thickness of slices.
9. Mashed. It's the old standby for a reason, its easy and delicious. Bake, Microwave, or boil sweet potatoes and then mash with butter and a little milk if desired. Add brown sugar for the traditional method, or toss in a little red pepper and rosemary for a savory new twist on an old fave.

P.S. Remember this is just the starting point. Once you have em cooked, you can go wild!! Make a soup, add them to fajitas, or a pizza, or a shepherd's pie, or even a dessert....The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

P.P.S Please take note of the new Short 'n' Sassy Recipe Contest. You could win $1000 with your original creation! More details at right.