Smokie Skewers

When the Olympics are on, I kind of use it as an excuse to stay on the couch and graze. So when hunger calls, I have to be efficient and quick...otherwise, you could miss the most amazing jump, half pipe, and underdog triumph...or the awe surrounding Bob Costas' pink eye!

These are quick bites to snack on. Easy to assemble. And the dip is tangy satisfaction.

Equipment:

Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into approx 1" bites

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Cayenne

Mini franks (whole) or Polish Kielbasa (sliced in 1/4" rounds)

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayo 

1/2 lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 -1 tsp of salt

Fresh pepper

Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Preheat oven to 450F degrees. 

3. Peel sweet potatoes and cube into 1" pieces.

4. Microwave x 2 minutes. 

5. Toss the potatoes on baking sheet with olive oil, cayenne, salt and pepper.

6. Roast in oven x 12-15 minutes.

7. Heat your mini franks in a skillet.

8. Make the dipping by combining all ingredients.

9. When potatoes done, use a toothpick or short skewer to assemble the goods.

10. Dig in! Go USA! Get well Bob!

Sweet Potato Fries with Lime Mayo Dipping Sauce

Great games coming up this weekend: Alabama vs Texas A & M.  Notre Dame vs Purdue.  I could go on and on.  Probably your school is having a party even if they are playing in the SEC or Big10, but whatever, you do, I know you don't want to slaving over the stovetop preparing food.

Make it simple this weekend:  Try the Marinated Flank Steak or Bandilicious Chicken Marinade.  Make your own salad or stop by Homemade Pizza for one of their seasonal salads.  And throw these in the oven.  Then...step away.  Enjoy the game!

Found this recipe in one of Epicurious magazines--delicious.  Approx cost: $3-4.

Equipment:
Large Baking Sheet
Aluminum Foil
Mixing bowl
Grater with a fine tooth side

Ingredients:
2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into wedges
1-2 Tbls of vegetable oil (do not add excessive oil--potatoes won't crisp)
Salt & Pepper

Dipping Sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 tsp lime zest
1/8 tsp cayenne
1-2 tsp of lime juice

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Preheat oven to 450F degrees.
3. Cover baking sheet in foil and spray with PAM

4. Toss the sweet potato wedges with vegetable oil on the baking sheet and spread out on sheet

5. Salt & Pepper potato wedges.

6. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes.  Turn wedges once, and finish baking 15 minutes longer.

7. Combine mayo thru lime juice in a bowl.

8. Potato wedges should be golden and crisp.  Get your platter out and serve with dipping sauce.

9. Awesome.
10. Enjoy the compliments.