Recipe: Gingered Sweet Potato Puree in Orange Baskets (freeze ahead)

GINGERED SWEET POTATO PUREE IN ORANGE BASKETS

"The piquant flavor of the orange peel cooks into the sweet potatoes as they bake. Serve one stuffed orange-peel basket per person."

6 medium oranges
4 large sweet potatoes
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Halve oranges and scoop pulp into a bowl. Reserve pulp for another use.

Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Steam until soft (about 15 minutes). Mash in a large bowl with egg, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon peel.

Spoon puree into orange baskets, dividing equally. Set on a large baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Bake for 25 minutes.

TO FREEZE AHEAD:
To save time, assemble this side dish in advance and freeze before baking. There is no need to thaw the puree before baking; just add 15 minutes to baking time.

Makes 12 servings
Source: The California Culinary Academy
From: Bill/DC