(Family Features) Each season throughout the year seems to have its own “flavor,” and summer is no exception. Hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, refreshing watermelon at snack time and cool, delicious ice cream on warm evenings.
While many people think of sweetpotatoes during the holidays, you can make this sweet vegetable a key ingredient all year-round – including summertime. As one of the most versatile veggies you can find, they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing flavor and boosting nutrition content.
Sweetpotatoes can be your summer staple in both simple and elevated recipes alike, as well as in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be cooked or prepared in several ways: on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or slow cooked.
Or, for an easy way to cool down in the heat, try them in a creamy drink like this Sweetpotato Summer Slushie. It may surprise you, but sweetpotatoes are ideal for sipping – smoothies and cocktails are both crowd-pleasers, especially during sweltering summer days. This refreshing treat can be made with or without the boozy kick; just break out the blender and kick back in the sunshine.
To discover more ways to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes all summer long, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Ingredients
- 1 cup NorthCarolina Sweetpotatoes cooked and mashed
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2-3 tablespoons simple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 2 ounces spiced rum coconut rum or bourbon (optional)
- pineapple slices or orange wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In blender, blend sweetpotatoes, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, coconut milk, simple syrup or honey, vanilla extract and ice until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into glasses and serve.
- For alcoholic version: Add spiced rum, coconut rum or bourbon after blending. Pulse in blender or stir after blending for layered effect.
- Garnish with pineapple slices or orange wedges, if desired.