Mashed Maple Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Maple Sweet Potatoes
Convenience counts with this simply sweet, kid-friendly recipe. A splash of cream and maple syrup add sweet richness, while black pepper adds kick.

Serves 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS 
3 pounds sweet potatoes
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, warmed
Pinch of ground cloves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional black pepper and maple syrup (optional, for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce each potato with a fork, and bake until very tender, about 1 hour.
2. Remove and cool slightly. Halve potatoes lengthwise, and scoop out flesh into a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or, for a smoother purée, force through a potato ricer. Stir in melted butter, warmed cream and syrup. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle a few grinds of black pepper and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Serve.

Tip: This recipe can be prepared two days ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Reheat in a 350°F oven or in the microwave.

Swiss Chard with Orange and Bacon
This recipe is fresh, fresh, fresh! A leafy green similar to kale, coarsely chopped Swiss chard blends beautifully with diced lean bacon, fresh orange juice and orange zest. This recipe provides the perfect, light complement to the richness of the sweet potatoes.

Serves 4-6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds Swiss or red chard, tough stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
4 slices lean bacon, diced
Zest of 1 orange, finely grated
1 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine)
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the chard about 3 minutes, until bright green and tender. Drain, squeezing out any excess water from the leaves.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate. Pour the orange juice into the same skillet. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced and slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
3. Turn off heat. Stir in butter or margarine, orange zest and chard.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish, top with diced bacon and serve.
5. 
   

Tip: To make this dish vegetarian friendly, simply substitute a soy-based product for the lean bacon. Look for soy bacon or tempeh bacon in the natural foods refrigerated section of your local grocery or specialty store.

Cooking for the ones you love with happiness in your heart is one of the greatest gifts of the holiday season. And with these creative uses for leftovers with sides that are as colorful as they are delicious, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.