News, sports and entertainment for Richland Parish, La.

Fall is the time of year to try sweet potato recipes

year when tasty sweet potatoes are showing up in our grocery stores at affordable prices.
We are especially here because we grow over 8,000 pounds of sweet potatoes right here in Louisiana, giving us access to this nutritious food almost year round. Sweet potatoes are in the vegetable food group and they contain have high levels of Vitamin A, which helps keep our eyesight sharp, and Vitamin C which helps keep our immune systems healthy and strong.
One of the best things about sweet potatoes other than their wonderful nutrition, is that they are so versatile; they can be prepared and eaten in many different ways. Most people eat sweet potatoes candied or in a sweet potato pie, but what else can do you do with them? Here are some other ways you can prepare them.
Sweet potato fries, muffins, pancakes, roasted sweet potato veggie bowl, biscuits, Cookies, baby food, soup, and more.
Don’t be afraid to try sweet potatoes in new ways. If you’ve never tried sweet potato muffins, give them a try! If a roasted sweet potato veggie bowls sounds like something you might like, go ahead and give it a try.
To get you started here is an easy, tasty soup recipe featuring sweet potatoes that is sure to have your mouth watering for more. Give it a try this weekend!

Bacon-Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients:
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 Tablespoons lime juice

Directions:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 1 tablespoon fat. To pot, add onions and cook until slightly softened, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne, if using.
2. Add sweet potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, 27 to 30 minutes.
3. Blend with immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Stir in lime juice.
4. Serve warm topped with chopped bacon.

Saundra Raines is the LSU AgCenter Nutrition Agent for Franklin, Richland and Caldwell parishes. The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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