Harvest Moon Brings Sweet Potato Goodness

This October 4th is the Harvest Moon, when the moon turns a rich shade of orange. As mother nature shines brilliant hues down from above, we can bring the same glorious shades into our kitchens. Enter The Sweet Potato! With its vivid color and velvety sweet texture, it is the perfect veggie for all seasons.

Why is the Sweet Potato the star of the show? Because its natural sweetness and delicate texture readily adapts to any cuisine and outshines the competition. From polenta to pancakes to sorbet or salsa, sweet potatoes are used as the stellar ingredient. With such decadent flavor, it is hard to believe that this gem is as nutritious as it is delicious. It's not just a Superstar, it is a Superfood.

To accentuate the sweetness of this versatile staple, try pairing it with a piquant, salty or spicy counterpoint. The contrast is absolutely divine. Try these Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Chiles and I'm sure you will agree. This recipe features a spicy twist to the already yummy baked sweet potato.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Chiles

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 to 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 chipotle chile, minced until paste
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 lime, cut into quarters

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Rub potatoes with oil and bake about 50 to 55 minutes (or until a or fork slips easily into the potato. Cool potatoes, but leave the oven on.

2. Slice off one-third (lengthwise) of each potato. Peel and discard the skin from this top section and put the potato flesh in a medium bowl. Use a spoon to scoop out the rest of the flesh of each potato. Leave about 1/4 inch of sweet potato inside each skin to help retain its structure.

3. Beat the sweet potato flesh, sour cream, chile, butter, and salt until smooth. Add more Chipotle to taste Mound the mixture into the potato skins and set them in a baking pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and sour cream.

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P.S. While your oven is on, be sure to roast a bunch of these beauties for all of the wonderful recipes that are coming your way.