Mashed Jalapeno-Cilantro Sweet Potatoes
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
2 sweet potatoes
1 whole jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup orange juice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup walnut pieces
Instructions:
Preheat an oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once tender, peel and place into a mixing bowl. While the potatoes are baking, place the jalapeno pepper in the oven and bake until the skin loosens, about 20 minutes. Peel, mince, and place into the bowl with the potatoes. Add the softened butter, orange juice, and cilantro. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer to a 1 quart baking dish. Drizzle with the melted butter and sprinkle with the walnut pieces.
Bake in the preheated oven until hot in the center, about 20 minutes.
Serves 4.
From Terri Harnish.