March Madness Is Here

It's that time of the year again. March Madness is here. I'm not just referring to latest Duke and UNC basketball games, everything else seems to speed up in March, too. February was a short month and everything still seems a bit rushed. Spring has officially begun and along with it came Spring Cleaning, Spring Thaw, Spring Showers, Spring Break, and Spring Chores. It's time to get the lawnmower tuned, the garden started, and the summer clothes out of the attic. With all that is going on, cooking can sometimes take a back seat to other more pressing matters. That's why you need...March Madness Meals. The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission has an awesome Pork and Sweet Potato Stew. It is fast, easy, and delicious. This tasty stew only takes 35 minutes to prepare. Add a simple rice side-dish and Voila! Supper's Ready! If you want a super fast dessert try their Chocolate Pudding Surprise. You will never guess that it has sweet potatoes in it, and it only takes a few minutes. Now you will have time to watch on of those ballgames on TV. Happy Eating!

PORK AND SWEET POTATO STEW

Ingredients:

* 1 pound pork loin, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon oil
* 2 small onions, cut in wedges
* 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
* 2 large cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small red pepper, cut in strips
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 cup tomato sauce
* 1 cup vegetable broth
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 package(10 ounces) frozen peas
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions


Preparation:

In large saucepan, brown pork in oil. Add onions, sweet potatoes and garlic, cook 10 minutes, turning often. Add red pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, vegetable broth and lime juice. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. add peas and cook 5 minutes longer or until pork and vegetables are tender. To serve, spoon into bowls and garnish with green onions. If desired, serve with cooked rice.