Baked Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

SWEET SWEET POTATO

I think its fair to say that autumn is well and truly here. Getting up to go to the gym in the morning is now basically non-existent (as it's so dark when I would need to get up), the dressing gown is now a staple part of my wardrobe again and it is just that few degrees colder - which means jumpers/scarfs/all things soft and woolly!

One of my favourite things about this time of year is the type of autumnal food that is more freely available and in season. These are foods like pumpkins, squash, parsnips and of course sweet potatoes! These foods have an amazing ability to soak up warming spices and flavours to give that comfort food feeling you need on windy autumn days.

One of the great things about sweet potatoes is that they have a creamy flavour to them - which makes them great to add with spice - but this doesn't mean they just have to be used in savoury dishes! No, no - season them right and they can be used in sweet desserts, breakfasts and as a snack! This recipe will provide that sugar fix you've been craving, without the guilt!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATO

- Sweet potatoes are fat-free, low in sodium and have fewer calories than normal white potatoes, however they do have more sugar [1]

- Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant power house and is also linked to anti-ageing benefits, cancer prevention and the maintenance of good eyesight [2]

- Sweet potatoes contain magnesium, the mineral known for its de-stressing properties. It promotes relaxation, calmness and a good mood, as well as artery, blood, bone, muscle and nerve health [3]

- Due to the colour-pigmented vitamins in sweet potatoes, they are high in anti-inflammatory benefits. One sweet potato contains about half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, resulting in a healthy immune system [4].

- They are a root vegetable! Why you ask? It's because they are lower in starch than other carbohydrates and are usually eaten in addition to the starchy part of the meal [5].

Sweet potatoes need to be eaten in moderation and prepared in a healthy way (this means not just lots of sweet potato fries from your local restaurant), sweet potatoes are a nutritious food and full of benefits that should pose no significant health risks. However, for a vegetable, they are high in carbohydrates (about 23g per medium sweet potato) and calories (about 100 calories).

---

Serves: 3. Cooking Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large sweet potato

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (Optional: If you really want a sugar kick)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F.

2. Slice the sweet potato into rectangular strips ¼" thick and about 2" long. (TIP: I keep the skin on when cutting up my sweet potato as that's where most of the nutrients come from)

3. Add the strips to a large bowl, and combine the cinnamon, coconut oil and maple syrup with the sweet potatoes.

4. Arrange potatoes on the baking trays in a single layer, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until completely cooked through. Cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before serving. (TIP: I love mine prepared for breakfast with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, banana and cacao nibs)

Happy Baking!

Ruth xxx