Category Archives: sides

2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 medium)
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature or slightly warmed
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into chunks. Steam over boiling water until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. (Or, pierce unpeeled potatoes with fork and microwave on high (100% power) 12 to 14 minutes, turning over halfway through, let cool and peel.)

Transfer sweet potatoes to mixing bowl and mash, blending in orange zest, buttermilk, butter and brown sugar. Transfer to serving dish. Can be made ahead, refrigerated and reheated in microwave.

Makes 8 servings.

2 cans black beans, washed
1 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3/4 cups water
1/2 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and saute onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until tender.

Into the onion mixture, stir the drained beans, water, tomato paste, pimentos, and vinegar. Season with salt, sugar, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.