I know I say it every week, but I can't believe how fast this summer is going!
I remember being a kid and never wanting to go back to school! I'd start to see the JC Penney commercials for new clothes and Target ads for new Jansport backpacks and get massive anxiety.
It was always cool to get new stuff, but I was such a shy girl that thoughts of a new teacher and new kids, etc., just riddled me with a bad case a frazzled nerves.
This week has been monumental for me!
My youngest daughter, Natalie, is gaining a newfound independence, allowing me a little extra time to myself to hit the gym and blog. I'm pretty much the perfect candidate for having kids, as far as my social life goes. I've always been kind of a loner, so I pretty much do the same things I did pre-babies.
What I wasn't used to is having to cater to two needy tots!
...make that three....
Let's look at some food!
Breakfasts have, once again, been a lot of overnight oats and pancakes...
Lunches are fairly routine....smoothies, cheese crisps, and fruit are all common...
Dinners have been pizza, salad, homemade Mexican food, and roasted veggies with goat cheese....
Vegetables have the best taste when they are roasted! Which brings me to today's recipe! I know from reading a lot of other bloggers that sweet potatoes are a favorite among you!
I think my favorite way (so far) to eat sweet potatoes is as fries. They don't get as crisp as russet potato fries, but combined with a few spices, a little oil, and the right oven temp, they obtain a delectable, crunchy coating and a soft, creamy interior. Yum, yum!
SMOKY SWEET POTATO FRIES (for one :-))
1 medium sweet potato, cut into fries
2 t. grapeseed oil (or another high smoke point oil, such as avocado)
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. + 1/8 t. salt
a few grinds of black pepper
scant 1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. prepared mustard
Place the sweet potato wedges into a bowl of cold water, and let them soak for 30 minutes. Mix the oil and spices in a bowl. Preheat the oven to 430 degrees. Rinse, drain, and pat the potatoes dry. Mix the fries with the oil and spices. Use your hands to rub the mix all over each fry. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes. Remove the pan, and flip the fries. Bake another 15-20 minutes until they are browned to your liking. Watch them carefully after 12 minutes to be sure they don't burn.
The great thing about these is that they are so tasty on their own, they require no sauce or ketchup!
And now for a little teaser....
This single serve chocolate cake is made completely from oats, is low in both sugar and fat, and is one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten! I hope you'll stop by Monday for the recipe!
What's your favorite way to eat a sweet potato?
Sarina @ Earthgiven
I love sweet potatoes, your recipe for smoky fries look wonderful! I also love sweet potatoes with black beans, they go great together. I BBQ sweet potato black bean burritos!
Alex @ therunwithin
oh gosh those fries are making me drool!
ally
i can't get enough of sweet potato anything - but fries may be my favorite form! thanks for sharing the yumminess!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.ca/
Natalie
I love sweet potatoes mashed with a little coconut oil and cayenne. Delicious!
Lauren
Oooo, that sounds delicious! I haven't tried them with coconut oil yet, but I plan to!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
You eats always make my mouth water! Can't wait for Monday's recipe!
Natalie @ FreshLifeFindings
I was the same way with school! Still to this day when I see back to school commercials I get a pit in my stomach because I was always scared of new classes, teachers, etc! Sweet potato fries are the best I want to try your smoky recipe! And I can't wait for the new recipe Monday 🙂
Danielle (@Clean Food Creative Fitness)
Love the sweet potato fries! Can't wait for the upcoming recipe!
jessielovestorun
That's so wonderful that the ltitle one is becoming more independent and your getting more free time 🙂
Lauren
It makes me so happy! I love my babies, but man, I miss having a moment or two to myself.
Min
Sweet Potatoes! YUMM...I never thought to add mustard though!
That cake looks amazing! Does it have to be single serve? I'm growing 😉
My school starts in two weeks...mixed feelings here..part of me is like that first girl "yippee!" and another part "ugh..." here I go again..
Lauren
Hahaha! You can definitely double or triple the recipe if you like! I know what you mean about school....the idea of going back (if I do) is daunting!
healthinspirations
I can't stop looking at the sweet potato fries...they look sooooo good. Thanks for the recipe. Mine never turn out looking that crispy.
Michelle Hunt (@PeachyPalate)
I'll never remember to stop by for that recipe!!! Just make sure to link back to the recipe next Wednesday!!! Looks so cute!
Lauren
Haha! Ok Michelle, I will!
Bec
The sweet potato fries look great. And I will definitely be back for that chocolate recipe. I've been resisting chocolate cravings all day.
Lauren
I think sweet potatoes taste great no matter what! I hope you do stop back by!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
Those sweet potato fries look immense, yum!
Lauren
Thanks Jemma!
runservecook
Yum !(: check out my blog and WIAW to enter to win some Justin's !(: http://runservecook.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/justins-nut-butter-review-wiawa-rafflecopter-giveaway/
Lauren
Cool! I love Justin's nut butters!