Sweet N' Healthy: "Kid-Friendly" Sweet Potato Pizza

The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission has challenged all foodie bloggers to get cookin' to create new and exciting recipes using none other than...you guessed it, sweet potatoes! What is really great about sweet potatoes is their versatility. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes; adding great flavor and tons of nutrition. Because they are so fun to use in creating new dishes, I couldn't stop at just one. I have a recipe for each of the three categories: Kid-friendly, Vegetarian and Sugar-Free. Here is my first recipe. It is a quick and easy Sweet Potato Pizza that the kids (and adults) are sure to love!

SWEET POTATO PIZZA
Makes 4 Servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium-large sweet potato; skin removed and cut into cubes
• 4 ounces Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 6 slices center-cut bacon
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup 2% shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 4 sandwich thins (suggested: whole wheat)
• 1/2 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the cut potatoes on a sheet of aluminum foil, sprayed with non-fat cooking spray. Fold the edges around the potatoes; sealing them into a bundle. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until potatoes are soft.

While potatoes are cooking, cook bacon in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Place cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain when finished. Chop bacon into small pieces. Drain the bacon grease from the skillet and return it to the stove; reducing heat to low. Add extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet and heat. Add onion and garlic; cooking until tender.

With an electric mixer, blend the cooked sweet potato with cream cheese. Add the cooked garlic, onion and oil to the mixture and fold with a spatula.

Separate the sandwich thins and place on a pizza stone, face up. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly on each sandwich thin. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar, followed by the chopped bacon and scallions (optional). Return to oven for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

RESULTS

They aren't your average pizzas, but they are really good! When it comes to keeping kids happy, it helps to create dishes that are familiar to them. What kid doesn't like pizza?!? Serving up sweet potatoes in this way is sure to have them takin' at least one bite. And that one bite is all they will need to become a Sweet Potato Pizza fan for life!

Do you have an idea for a Kid-Friendly sweet potato recipe? Try it out and post it on your blog by tomorrow night (March 21, 2011) by 11:59pm ET. Follow the guidelines HERE for your chance to win 2K for cookin'!! Good luck!