Pumpkin’ed Out?

November 10, 2014 |Sweet Bites

You’re not alone. Despite the trending Pumpkin Spice Latte (don’t be Basic) most folks have done a #sweetswap, realizing that the pumpkin itself is not so packed full of flavor. Instead it’s the familiar fall spices – nutmeg and cinnamon – we associate with the festive fall gourd.

Listen, we get it. Pumpkins get all the acclaim this time of year, but family carvings were so last month. This year, #sweetswap your pumpkin for a sweetpotato! And don’t get us started on all the Thanksgiving options… well maybe just a few:

  1. Fabulessly Frugal’s Classic Sweetpotato Casserole – Nothing says classic comfort like Sweetpotato Casserole! This recipe is easy to whip together before a dinner party and is one of our all-time favorites. But really, how could anyone resist those delicious, toasted marshmallows? 07_CASSEROLE
  2. Coordinately Your’s Smashed Sweetpotatoes– Boil. Smash. Bake. Oh yes – it’s that easy! Smashed Potatoes are all the rage this holiday season. A dash of salt and pepper and these little bites of crunchy goodness are ready to be devoured! smashed-sweet-potatoes-recipe
  3. The Seaside Baker’s Sweetpotato Swirled Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Drizzle & Ginger Snap Cookie Crust – OH SWEET TATERS! Your guests will not be able to resist a slice. Combined with a ginger snap cookie crust and topped with a gloriously spiced salted caramel, they will be begging for seconds….even after stuffing themselves with turkey!

sp cheesecake

Deliciousness aside, sweet taters bring a lot to the table as far as nutrition. Not only do these spuds offer more fiber and protein than a pumpkin, they dominate in the Vitamin C and A department too!

  • BETA CAROTENE & VITAMIN A When eaten with the skin on*, a medium sweetpotato has four times the recommended daily intake for beta carotene! Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, meaning the body coverts it to vitamin A and it plays a vital role in vision, bone development and immune function. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, so be sure to eat your sweetpotato with a little bit of fat, like a pat of butter, for maximum vitamin absorption. *Eating the sweetpotato skin will lower the glycemic index and provide additional nutrients.
  • VITAMIN C Like citrus, sweetpotatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight infections, heal wounds and absorb iron. A medium sweetpotato provides 35 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C.

So, let’s break it down. Why sweetpotatoes?

So as you ponder which seasonal veggie should grace your Thanksgiving table, think about our sweet spuds as not only delicious, but nutritious. Follow us at @sweet_taters on Instagram and Pinterest to share your #sweetswap and find more holiday inspiration!