veganonthecheap - Food Porn: Baked Sweet Potato and Chile Wedges

(View the original at Vegan on the Cheap: http://veganonthecheap.com/2008/11/03/food-porn-baked-sweet-potato-and-chile-wedges/)

One of the things I do in my spare time is volunteer work at a local AIDS hospice where my friend Josh works as the activities director. The clinic's Halloween party was on Friday, and Josh found this recipe for me to bring in for everyone to enjoy with their dinner.

My wedges came out uneven, since I don't have the best cutlery right now. As you can see, I was working with a paring knife and a steak knife, neither of which worked especially well. I'm thinking I should ask for a set of knives for my birthday this year...

The original recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens. I had to veganize it, but (as you'll see) that was pretty simple.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes (5 to 6 large)


• 2 Tbsp. olive oil


• 1 tsp. sea salt or 3/4 tsp. salt


• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper


• 1/2 cup orange juice


• 3 tsp. chili powder


• 1 Tbsp. honey Agave nectar or other honey substitute (I bet brown sugar would taste great, too!)

The instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut each unpeeled potato into 1-inch-thick wedges. Place in a large self-sealing plastic bag; toss with oil, sea salt, and pepper. Arrange in two 13x9x2-inch disposable foil pans.


2. Next, in small bowl combine orange juice, chili powder, and honey substitute; set aside.


3. Bake potatoes, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes or until tender, brushing every 10 minutes with orange juice mixture, and shaking pan occasionally.

I will note that the time suggested didn't seem to be enough time to get the potatoes tender. I brought them to the clinic half-done, and one of the cooks there popped them into the oven to finish. Josh thinks this may be because I have an electric oven. Your best bet is just to keep checking whenever you brush them with your juice mixture.

Here's a shot of them with the juice being brushed on. I just LOVE the color:



Unfortunately, I had to leave the party before the potatoes finished cooking. According to Josh, though, they were very tasty and the residents LOVED them. I'm definitely making these again so I can taste them myself!