Baked Sweet Potatoes are one of my favorite Autumn treats. It warms your heart and soul, and the pleasant aroma is just enchanting.

I did not grow up with sweet potatoes. The first time I tried sweet potatoes I was 18 or 19 years old.

That being mentioned, when I tried them I instantly fell in love with the taste, texture, and aroma.

It reminded me of these delightful winter squash that we had every fall season. It was not a pumpkin, but not a butternut squash either, somewhere in between.

Tap here for a tasty side dish recipes

I dearly savored it when I was a little girl. I could not wait until squash slices come out of the wood-burning oven. Mmhmm! It was all I wanted and more. The 80s were special in every possible way.

Nevertheless, my kids are not enormous fans of the sweet potatoes, but they would eat a spoon or two. Well, I heartily enjoyed them mostly by myself through the season and I am entirely fine with it.

Typically, I carefully wrap them with alum foil and roast a couple of them to last me a few days. However, since many do not like to use aluminum making them just like this is just fine as well.

I would recommend making them both ways; sweet and savory. As I said before, I make many of them for later.

I love adding a pat of butter in the hot sweet potato and drizzle with delicious maple syrup. I would rather have that over any dessert, plus it is quite healthy.

Sweet Potato Casserole is coming soon. I cannot wait to share my tasty recipes in two ways, and just before Thanksgiving!

Recipes you might like:

Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes with Chicken

Oven Roasted Chestnuts

Beef Chili Baked Potatoes

If you get inspired and make these delightful Baked Sweet Potatoes, please tag me on Instagram. @sandraseasycooking using hashtag #sandraseasycooking. Thank you so much in advance!

Yield: Serves 4

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Print

An easy and tasty recipe for delicious Baked Sweet Potatoes

Prep Time 5 minutes

Bake Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds organic sweet potatoes

Savory Topping

• sea salt butter, a tablespoon of each potato
• dash of salt
• dash of ground black pepper
• a sprinkle of dried parsley
• A drizzle of olive oil

Sweet Toppings:

• sea salt butter
• Maple syrup or honey
• chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Wash them.

The worst way to ruin a sweet potato casserole or stuffed sweet potatoes is with a gritty texture. Scrub the skins lightly before preparing. Pat dry after with kitchen paper towel or just regular kitchen towel.

2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Sweet potatoes tend to get a little juicy while baking, so lining the baking sheet first ensures easy cleanup. From time to time I forgot to do it or don't have any parchment paper on hand, but it is so much easier to clean up when you do have it.

3. Poke holes!

The pricking technique is always used when baking regular or sweet potatoes—it reduces the baking time and ensures the potatoes won't burst while baking. Poke the potato skin with a fork or knife in a few places before you bake it. We can't predict which potato might burst so this is always a wise idea.

4. Bake until tender.

How can you tell when they’re done? Stick a fork into the thickest part of the potato, if there’s no resistance it’s good to go.

1. Preheat oven to 425º. On a baking sheet, prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork.
2. Bake until tender, 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
3. Let cool, then split the top open with a knife and top with a pat of butter.
4. Season with salt and pepper dried parsley and serve. You may drizzle with olive oil just before serving.
5. For the sweet option, add a pat of butter in each potato, then drizzle with maple syrup or honey, perhaps some chopped nuts or even chocolate and marshmallows.

Notes

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

These Tasty Labor Day Recipes that I have picked for you guys are easy, delicious, affordable and approachable. You can make them any time you want not just over Labor Day and 4th of July, or any other holiday.

If you are like my family then you start making plans for BBQ cookout for Labor Day weekend weeks ahead. It is a long weekend so at least 2 days worth of tasty leftovers.

I wish you all safe, and tasty Labor day!

MEAT, FISH, AND POULTRY:

Collection of tasty meat, fish and poultry recipes from my blog!

SMOKED ST. LOUIS STYLE RIBS

Can you really start BBQ season without making some amazingly delicious, and finger-licking Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs? I think not.

These ribs are so tasty we have been making them on repeat for our meal prep because they hold so good o the fridge so well for a week.

SIMPLE HALIBUT BURGER

Simple Halibut Burger Recipe is a must-try. I believe that this is one of the best burgers I have ever made. It is so juicy, tasty and just enchanting.

LEMON HERB GRILLED SALMON

Who loves Salmon? I simply love it especially made this way. However, I am not picky at all. When it comes down to this delicious fish, I could eat it pretty much any possible way prepared.

CHICKEN FAJITA SKEWERS

These Chicken Fajita Skewers are fresh, tasty, healthy, colorful, and the ultimate summer grilled food that everyone loves.

CHICKEN BURGERS

When I flipped those burgers and saw it, I was breaking a happy dance around the grill. They were delightful, flavorful and in another word orgasmic. I hope you make them soon, too.

HOMEMADE BEEF BURGERS

I love burgers and I absolutely love my homemade beef burgers. They are really easy, perfectly seasoned and extremely tasty.

We grill a lot and these are always a hit with everyone along with my pita bread. Not to brag or anything, but I am kind of known around here for my homemade bread.

ASIAN BEEF SKEWERS 

GRILLED MARINATED TOFU

Easy, delicious and a perfect grilled food if you wish to skip grilled meat.

BREAD AND SANDWICHES:

My absolute favorite bread from my blog.

DUTCH OVEN BREAD: BREAD FOR BEGINNERS

PITA BREAD

SPIRAL TWIST BREAD ROLLS

THE BEST GARLIC AND HERBS FLATBREAD

KETO BREAD- EASY AND DELICIOUS LOW CARB BREAD

ROAST BEEF SLIDERS

QUICK IRISH SODA BREAD

SALADS:

Refreshing, healthy and easy salad recipes that you guys going to love.

OLIVIER SALAD- RUSSIAN SALAD

EASY RED POTATO SALAD

VEGETARIAN PASTA SALAD

CREAMY SUMMER PASTA SALAD

BOILED POTATOES WITH BUTTER AND PARSLEY

HEIRLOOM TOMATO FETA SALAD

CUCUMBER, TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA CHEESE SALAD

CITRUS KALE SALAD

FRUIT SALAD WITH CITRUS-MAPLE DRESSING

DESSERTS:

We all have a bit of sweet tooth. These dessert or sweet treats are perfect after savory grilled food to share with your loved ones.

BROWNIES AND YOGURT SUMMER PARFAIT

OLD FASHIONED APPLE PIE

STRAWBERRY JELLO SUMMER SALAD

PLUM AND PEACH GALETTE

TRIPLE BERRY GALETTE

If you make any of my Tasty Labor Day Recipes, please tag me on INSTAGRAM @SANDRASEASYCOOKING. Use hashtag #sandraseasycooking so I could share it with others. Thank you so much for your love and support… I wish you a wonderful holiday!

Today, I have a very special post for you all, as well as Southern Green beans and New Potatoes with Bacon.

I cannot stress enough talking about food safety in the kitchen and around your home. It is a huge part of my life that I take very seriously.

That’s why I partnered with the nonprofit Partnership for Food Safety  Education so I could help increase awareness. As well as interest, and understanding among families.

Especially in the Southeast USA, about their role in the chain of prevention to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

The US food supply is among the safest in the world, however, organisms that you can’t see, smell, or taste – bacteria, viruses, and tiny parasites – are everywhere in the environment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Each year, 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in this country can be traced to foodborne pathogens.

That number is just astonishing to me in the most horrific way that roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick of foodborne diseases each year.

Foodborne illness costs Americans billions of dollars each year. It also serves as a constant challenge for consumers, researchers, government, and industry.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates that two to three percent of all foodborne illnesses lead to serious secondary long-term illnesses.

For example, certain strains of E.coli can cause kidney failure in young children and infants; Salmonella can lead to reactive arthritis and serious infections;

Listeria can cause meningitis and stillbirths; and Campylobacter may be the most common precipitating factor for a debilitating disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome.

It is extremely necessary to Fight BAC! And know the Core Four safety practices: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. 

My kids are already trained from when they were toddlers about the importance of food safety.

They were cooking with me from such a young age, so that was a priority for me as a mother. As the main food chief of the house, my job is to teach them the importance of food safety.

Fortunately, we have never been sick from any kind of serious food poisoning.

I am extremely thankful for that. With that being said, it is up to you to pass the food safety information on to your kids. Well, to educate yourself as well.

Tap here for a more tasty side dish recipes

In my opinion, seeking information to educate yourself or your children to prevent sickness is the greatest gift that you can give yourself and your loved ones.

Even with this dish, as it is simple as it sounds, you could potentially harm yourself by not following basic food safety rules.

For example, cutting bacon and fresh produce on the same board. Not washing your hands, utensils, knives, or board, not using separate boards to chop. Also, slice meat and produce, leaving uncooked, uncured bacon on the countertops, etc.

Click Here for more delicious Potato Recipes

Another thing that should be mentioned that you might not even know:

Illness-causing bacteria can grow rapidly when perishable foods are left in the danger zone — between 40°F and 140°F. Always refrigerate foods in a timely matter.

Cooked bacon should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria can survive in many places, including in your hands. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling food.

When I see their faces with a slight smile on their face I know that a meal prepared with my own hands is very much enjoyed.

For me, love could be shown in many ways, and I show my love with a hug and warm food on the table.

If you make my Southern Green beans and New Potatoes with Bacon, please tag me on Instagram. @sandraseasycooking using hashtag #sandraseasycooking.

Yield: 4

Southern Green beans and New Potatoes with Bacon

Print

Easy and tasty side dish perfect for the holiday table or any time of the year when you crave a bit of comfort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 4-5 slices Hickory Smoked Bacon
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 Shallots chopped
• 1 lb. New Potatoes boiled until tender
• 1 family size frozen Green Beans defrosted and drained
• Sea Salt and Ground Black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried Rosemary

Instructions

1. Start by washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Wash your cutting boards and counter tops with hot soapy water.
2. Remove the outer skin from the garlic and shallots. Wash the potatoes, garlic, and shallots: rub by hand or scrub with a clean brush while rinsing under running tap water. Dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel before cutting vegetables.
3. Fill a large cooking pot with water, at least 2 inches above the potatoes, and drop in the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and allow the potatoes to boil on high heat. Boil until the potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Using a colander, drain the potatoes, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
4. Slice bacon into bite-size pieces. Heat the skillet. When hot, add sliced bacon. After handling the bacon, wash your hands and the cutting board with hot, soapy water.
5. Cook bacon until crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain. Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon out half of the leftover bacon grease. Allow the grease to cool and discard.
6. Turn down the heat to medium-low. Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the skillet. When the butter is melted, add minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté for 20-30 seconds.
7. Add tender new potatoes, and turn a few times so the skin of the potatoes is coated with the oil.
8. Gently stir the green beans together with the potatoes in the skillet. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper, dried parsley and rosemary. Crumble the cooked bacon on top of the mixture. Continue heating and stir occasionally until a food thermometer reads 165 ºF and the dish is steaming. Serve immediately.
9. Enjoy your leftovers! Refrigerate them at 40 ºF or below within two hours.
10. Serve it immediately with perhaps salad and chicken or turkey on the side.

Notes

Chill: 

Enjoy your leftovers! Refrigerate them at 40 ºF or below within two hours. Clean: Wash surfaces and utensils after each use. Wash fruits and veggies before preparing food, even if you plan to peel them.

Separate:

To prevent cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards and plates for produce and for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

Cook: 

Always use a food thermometer to ensure cooked food reaches a safe internal temperature. (165 ºF for poultry – 145 ºF for fish, pork, beef, veal, and lamb – 160ºF for ground beef, pork, veal, and lamb).

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

NOTE: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from -all other foods at the grocery store and in the refrigerator.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the Partnership for Food Safety Education. All opinions, pictures, and content have been done by me, in my own words.