Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

8 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
1 cup diced celery
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pierce potatoes with a fork; place on baking sheet and bake in a 350 degrees F. oven for one hour or until soft; remove and set aside to cool slightly.

In small skillet, saute celery in one tablespoon butter until tender, about 10 minutes; set aside.

When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut off a 1/2-inch-thick piece from one long side of each; scoop flesh out into bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell.

Mash potato flesh with remaining three tablespoons butter, stir in celery, bacon, salt and pepper.

Spoon mixture into potato skin; arrange in baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F. until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Potatoes may be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Reheat in a 350 degrees F. oven for 45 minutes.

Servings: 8
Source: National Pork Board