by Starr Rathburn

Created on: August 21, 2010   Last Updated: August 24, 2010

SWEET POTATO AND APPLE CASSEROLE

This easy to make recipe is a sweet way to try something new for your table. Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative side dish because they provide more fiber, vitamins, and nutrients than white potatoes. It's an appealing dish the kids will love, and it's better for them than french fries. The onion adds a slightly savory touch to cut down the sweetness, so adults will enjoy it too.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 15 minutes

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

3 medium sweet potatoes

3 medium apples (suggestions: Granny Smith, Red Delicious, or Rome Beauty)

1 small onion

¼ cup orange juice

METHOD:

1. Combine brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Wash sweet potatoes but do not cut. Peel a small strip around middle of each. Remove any blemishes.

3. Arrange potatoes in a circle on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 6 – 8 minutes, turning over once. Potatoes should be somewhat softer but still holding their shape, as they will have additional cooking. Do not overcook.

4. Let potatoes cool. Meanwhile, core and peel apples. Slice crosswise into rings, then cut in half. Thinly slice onion and separate.

5. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into ½ – inch slices.

6. Prepare a deep 1 ½ – quart glass casserole dish by spraying lightly with Pam™. Create layers in the following order, sprinkling sugar mixture over each:

potato

onion

apple

repeat once.

7. Sprinkle any remaining sugar mixture over top. Pour orange juice evenly over all.

8. Cover loosely and microwave on high about 6 minutes, til casserole is soft and tender. Let rest in microwave for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave carefully, as casserole dish will be very hot. Serve as a beautiful side dish for ham, chicken, or turkey.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

- Replace nutmeg with cinnamon.

- Replace orange juice with apple juice.

- Replace brown sugar with ¼ cup Splenda™.

This is a fresh and delicious alternative to the marshmallow - topped sweet potato dish often served at Thanksgiving. It's easy to make, and once you've tried it, you'll find yourself craving more.

Learn more about this author, Starr Rathburn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.