Sweet and Smoky Sweet Potato Fries

Fact: Healthy food can really taste good.

Conflicting Fact: It's hard to eat healthy when things like brownies exist.

I've always had food drama and I think I always will.  Most of us Americans do.  I try to have healthy habits; buying local and organic when I can, eating veggies, less processed stuff, you know.  But then sometimes I do things like overdose on granola.  What are you gonna do?  Get back on the horse the next day and eat. those. veggies.  That's what.

So I'm going to work a little harder to show you the healthy stuff I eat.  A lot of the stuff I post on Oven Love I don't really eat much of myself.. I just have a little taste and then send it away.  I want you to get a better idea of the way I try to eat, and maybe encourage you to make some healthy choices, too.

Enter the sweet potato.

I love this vegetable!  It's the kind of vegetable that tricks you into thinking it's a carb, which is pretty awesome.  If you've never tried sweet potatoes, fries are a great way to introduce them (baked and not fried, if you want to get the good benefits).  They're great for you- lots of vitamins (A, B, C) and fiber.  I like to spice them up a little with smoked paprika- it's a great compliment to the sweet potato flavor, but doesn't overpower.

My tips for this recipe:

-make sure to coat the baking sheets with cooking spray to make sure the fries don't stick.

-check them half-way through and move them around a little to cook them evenly.

-make a lot, they will go quick!

 

I hope you'll enjoy the healthier recipes thrown in around here.  I promise I'll still sneak in some desserts amidst the veggies.. I don't think I can resist!  Are there any fruits or vegetables that you'd like to cook with but don't know how to use them?  Leave me a comment below or visit the Facebook fan page and I'll help you face those kitchen fears.

Sweet and Smoky Sweet Potato Fries
Oven Love

1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, washed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with foil and spray with cooking spray.

Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch slices, then cut each slice into sticks.  Place the sticks in a bowl and toss with olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper.  Spread in one layer on the baking sheets.

Bake 10 minutes, then switch the trays and bake another 10-15 minutes until the fries are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside.  Serve immediately.