Sweet Potatoes Around the World

When you think of a sweet potato, there is a good chance that you associate it with classic American and Southern recipes. And while it is certainly true that the sweet potato is a staple in America, the same is true for much of the world. From the Spainish Turnovers to African Sweet Potato Stew, the sweet potato is truly is a vegetable with international flair. With great recipes like Thai Sweet Potato Fritters and these Sweet Potato Latkes, the versatility of this yummy gem has been adapted to almost every combination of exotic spice and regional cooking methods. Discover the wide world of sweet potatoes - a cultural melting pot of goodness - served right in your kitchen.

 Sweet Potato Latkes

This weeks recipe is a Japanese take on Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes.  The delicate flavor and moisture of the sweet potatoes is enhanced with rich cream and sugar to make a scrumptious twice-baked dessert.

Japanese Sweet Potato Dessert

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes
4 Tablespoon Sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoon Butter
1/4 cups Heavy Cream
1 Egg Yolk
1/2 tbsp Rum
A Few Drops of Vanilla Extract


Egg Wash:
1 Egg Yolk for Gloss Finish
1/2 tsp Water
Black Sesame Seeds

Directions:

Bake the sweet potatoes and then cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers into a saucepan and save skins.  Add sugar, vanilla, butter, cream, egg yolk and rum. Mash well, and then heat on stove top until the mixture is hot throughout. Stuff skins with sweet potato mixture. Prepare egg wash by mixing the egg yolk with water and then brush over each potato. Top with black sesame seeds. Bake in a 400 degree oven until golden brown.