February 22 is National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Sweet potatoes make for a delicious and versatile ingredient. One medium sweet potato provides more than a day’s worth of vitamin A and 35 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, according to Teresa Henson, Cooperative Extension Program specialist-nutrition outreach coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. You may want to celebrate the day by trying the following recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Makes:10 servings
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combined with vanilla extract are a delicious backdrop for sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 can evaporated milk, nonfat (12 ounce)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
Directions
1. Rinse sweet potatoes in cold running water and pierce with a fork.
2. Microwave sweet potatoes on full power until tender, about 15 minutes. Turn them half way during baking.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove skin from sweet potatoes and mash with hand beaters or food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour mixture in an 8-inch baking dish. Bake until casserole is firm in the center, about 40 minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven. Allow to stand for 5 minutes then cut into 10 squares.
6. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers.
Sources: myplate.gov/recipes and https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-cook-a-sweet-potato-day-february-22/
UAPB News 