Sweet Potato Stuffed Dates

I know, I know...it's St. Patrick's Day. Where's the green? Well, I am wearing some, so I'm safe from the pinches. I just had to share the really quick sweet potato snacks I just made. Easy peasy and sugar-free. I may have to try these wrapped in bacon, but that will be for another day.

I sent Pete to the store for a sweet potato and he brought back a lighter colored variety. It looks to be an O'Henry, according to the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission.

The sweet potato and beet pizza I made last week was really tasty, albeit a little complicated. I'm already getting asked to make it again--a good sign! Today, however, it's all about something quick and easy:

Just mash up about a cup of sweet potato, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest and one tablespoon of orange liqueur. If children are involved, exchange the orange liqueur for fresh orange juice. Ok--put a couple of shakes of cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) in there, too.

Next, open a package of pitted dates and take one out. Split it with a knife and, using your fingers, make an indentation in the date. It should look like a little date bowl. :) Do this with how ever many stuffed dates you want.



The putziest part is making the little "date bowls".

Next, use a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to fill the dates. You may have filling left over--just eat this with a spoon. Sprinkle a little more orange zest over the top and stick in a few of those fancy toothpicks.

And there you go. Fun, little sweet snacks that are healthy. Who knew?