Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

As someone who prepares and consumes sweet potatoes on a regular basis it is rare that I find a recipe that I absolutely love. I discovered the Twice Baked Sweet Potato recipe on Pinterest a few years ago and it has been my go to ever since. I definitely think that this is a recipe that everyone should try at least once and if you love it you can eventually adapt it to your specific preferences.

Although I wish I could take credit for being the mastermind behind this recipe, I can't. I'm just a fan. So as a fan, I will simply direct you straight to the source. As a blogger, I praise and recognize other great blogs and Sugar Free Mom is a great site for recipe ideas. Please go check it out today.

Recipe

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

F&S Flavors to Try

*Here is a short list of adaptations that I made to this recipe*

• Filling: Golden Raisins, Dates
• Toppings: Whole Pecans, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds

After making them a few times, I decided to add pumpkin seeds on top along with the pecans.

Of course I had to try it with Purple Sweet Potatoes

Hazel's Macaroni & Cheese

Why not have my first recipe be in honor of one of the strongest women ever?!  Hazel Peterson aka my great grandmother passed this marvelous macaroni and cheese recipe down to my grandmother and now it is in my hands. Growing up in Gary, IN winters got cold, really cold and this comforting dish always saved the day.

Why am I talking about macaroni and cheese at the end of the summer? Although I do love my new home here in Baltimore, I do get homesick from time to time. When that feeling kicks in, I go to this dish for comfort. So to clarify, yes this dish could pop up in the dead of winter or on the hottest day of the summer, doesn't matter to me, as long as I have this macaroni and cheese and a piece home.

Other than being pure comfort, it also is pretty darn tasty. Not like your average mac and cheese, this girl is loaded with flavor and veggies

Recipe

2 cups uncooked macaroni

1/4 cup chopped pimento

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 can cream of mushroom soup

2 cups of shredded sharp cheese (1 cup will be used for the topping)

 Fresh parsley (Optional, sprinkle a little on top if you want)

Steps

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cook the macaroni. After cooking the macaroni, mix the pimento, green pepper, milk, mayonnaise, onion, mushroom soup and 1 cup of cheese together and put in a 2qt glass casserole dish. Add the second cup of shredded cheese on top before placing in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered (with baking dish lid), remove cover and bake for additional 5minutes (until the cheese is bubbling).

And there you have it. Serving size depends on how hungry you are (good for about 4-6 people).