I have learned that not everyone is a fan of sweet potatoes. These sorts of people often cannot offer a solid explanation as to why they don’t like these sweetly delicious veggies. My personal theory is that they were scarred at a young age by being forced to consume some great-aunt’s marshmallow and brown sugar saturated sweet-potato-from-a-can casserole. One of those dishes where you love the parts, but just can’t stomach the whole.
I, however, love sweet potatoes, particularly because they are equally good in sweet and savory situations. I actually have it in mind to make a sort of mole flavored sweet potato salad in the near future…. But that is not what this post is about.
In an effort to win over some non-fans of sweet potatoes, I made twice baked potatoes using a combination of sweet and regular potatoes. The presence of regular potatoes took a hint of sweetness off and these were thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Twice the Twice Baked Potatoes
1 large potato
1 large sweet potato
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, plus more tor topping
chopped or dried chives to taste
Prick both potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour in 400F oven.
Cut potatoes in half and scoop out interior into a large bowl. Add cottage cheese, parmesan and chives and mash until potato is smooth.
Spoon filling into enpty potato skins or ramekins and sprinkle with parmesan.
Place back into oven until top is browned, 10-15 minutes.
Note: You may notice that in the picture above two of the servings are in glass ramekins. Sweet potato skins are not terribly sturdy, so either use ramekins or bake a sacrificial regular potato and skin it.
Kelli
January 25, 2005My mom and I recently had the exact same conversation on why people think they hate sweet potatoes. I never tried them until a couple years ago because I was afraid of them, but now I LOVE them! My mom still thinks she hates them. This would be a great recipe to introduce her to the more savory side of sweets.
Nic
January 26, 2005I hope it works! I know that these were able to convert my dad, who has never cared for sweet potatoes.
sweetmaria79
July 10, 2006Hi!
I started loving sweet potatoes after I tried them at my boyfriend’s place. I would love to make these for him, however, he does not fancy parmesan cheese. Any suggestions?
Nic
July 10, 2006You can simply omit the parmesan. The potatoes will still taste great without it!
bonnie
July 10, 2008I do not typically like sweet potatoes. However, I made these the other night for me and my fiance, and I LOVED them! However, My fiance, who LOVES sweet potatoes did not like them much. I thought this was odd. I bet it was because these are not super sweet with brown sugar and such. Maybe if i left out the Parmesan and he could put some brown sugar on it? Who knows. I know that I will make them again, even if it IS only for myself!
cynthia
August 5, 2008Sweet potatoes smell wonderful and look tasty but they have a bitter aftertaste that I can’t stand. Does one need a reason not to like some food? Why does someone dislike any food? It does not taste good to them. Enough said. I do however cook sweet potatoes for my family and I believe they will love these.