Quick & Easy Sweet Potato Fries

Yesterday I was in need of a late afternoon snack.  I wanted something more substantial than a cup of yogurt and fruit or a handful of nuts.  I wanted something warm and comforting, so I whipped up a pan of my sweet potato fries.

Here's my trick for making them quick and easy... I wash and pierce them with a fork and cook them in the microwave until almost done.  Be careful not to cook too long or they will fall apart when you cut into fries.  For one small potato I bake about 3 or 4 minutes turning potato over half way through.  Times will vary depending on your microwave.  Not only does using the microwave speed up cooking time, it's also much easier to cut an almost done sweet potato rather than a raw one.  When cool enough to handle cut in to fries.  Then I prefer to fry mine in a skillet, but you could brush with oil and bake them.  I fry in a heaping tablespoon of coconut oil to keep them healthy.  Brown them on all sides until completely tender (if not already) on the inside and crispy on the outside.

I prefer to eat them plain, but you sure could spice them up with your favorite seasonings.  Make them savory, sweet or sweet & spicy.

Busy In The Kitchen... Rustoleum Cabinet and Counter Transformations with Pictures

If you follow me on Facebook you already know things have been crazy at my house for the past two weeks.  Have you ever started out with a small home improvement project only to find yourself in the middle of something way bigger than planned?  That's what happened to me.  My oven went out and in the process of getting a new range it proceeded into a new floor, but you can't put in a floor without painting the walls.  Then we looked at our way outdated cabinets and counters and one thing led to another until our kitchen looked like it had been through a tornado!  Needless to say it meant eating out way too much and no fun in the kitchen!  I am happy to say it is coming together quite nicely.  We are still working on it, but at least I can cook again. Yay!

One of the first things I had to make was my Vegetarian Taco Burgers.  They are so Yummy! ;)  The recipe can be found HERE.

My 2nd big craving is a fruit smoothie.  Will have one to post soon!

Here is a glimpse of the before and after.  We are also doing the laundry room that is connected to the kitchen.  I hope to have everything completed by Thanksgiving...I hope. :)

My very outdated and blah kitchen.  I hate even posting this photo, lol.  You can't see the backsplash thanks to the counter clutter, but it is a very outdated hunter green ceramic tile.  I have been over hunter green for many years. :/  Replacing the cabinets and counters was not in the budget so we opted to do the Rustoleum Cabinet and Counter Transformations.  We chose the cabinet kit in frost and the counter kit in java stone.  The results amazed us!  You can learn more about the transformation kits HERE.   

 Hard to believe the transformation.  Same cabinets and counters...just refinished.  Gives such a fresh new look.  Note the missing drawer pulls.  We had to order them and are still waiting.   We have more trim work and touch up painting to do.  My range hood is a little larger than standard so we had to order it and it won't be in until Dec.  Once it's all complete I will post more photos.  If you are looking for an inexpensive way to update the look of your kitchen...I highly recommend the Rustoleum Transformation Kits.  No, this is not a paid endorsement.  Just my opinion.  With that being said I must add...it does take some elbow grease, time and patience, but it is well worth it!