The Vegan Chef "Eating a vegan diet doesn't have to be boring. In fact, there is no reason why it shouldn't be the most exciting way to eat. Fresh plant-based foods, organically grown and naturally prepared, are among nature's most healthful and delicious gifts." -- Chef Beverly Lynn Bennett

Reprinted with permission from Chef Beverly Lynn Bennett, The Vegan Chef.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Serves 12

Ingredients

• 6 large sweet potatoes, washed well (do not peel)
• 3 T. maple syrup
• 2 T. orange juice
• 2 t. ginger, minced
• 1 t. cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 t. salt
• 3 T. Sucanat

Directions

Using a fork, pierce the skins of the sweet potatoes in several places. Place an oven-proof rack on a cookie sheet and place the sweet potatoes on the rack. Bake at 400 degrees for 60-75 minutes or until soft when gently squeezed. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and leave the sweet potatoes on the rack to cool. When they are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the cooked flesh into a food processor, leaving the skin intact to form a shell, and set skins aside. Add the maple syrup, orange juice, ginger, 1/2 t. cinnamon, and salt to the food processor, and puree for 2-3 minutes or until very smooth and creamy.

Lightly oil (or spray with a light mist of oil) a large cookie sheet or baking pan, and place the reserved sweet potato skins in the pan. Refill the skins with the puree mixture, evenly dividing it among the skins, and then swirl the top of each filled skin decoratively with the back of a spoon. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and Sucanat. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of each refilled skin. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the halves to a large platter for service. Serve one Twice-Baked Sweet Potato half per person.

*The Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes can also be pre-assembled, brought to room temperature for 10 minutes, and then baked as directed above.