Sweets for the Sweet

I was up at Congaree Grill the other night watching my sweetie sling a couple drinks*. An older gentleman came to the bar. He was a dapper old soul in a Cubbies cap. We had a good ole chat about the great city of Chicago. He then ordered a heaping basket of SWEET POTATO FRIES! Boy, did they smell delicious. Warm and cinnamon-y. I know that isn't a word. However, I like to add a Y to make my own. I tend to like foods a bit more savory than sweet. I really enjoy this recipe. For a more dessert-like potato: omit the spices and add a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. A sweet butter would be a nice dip.

This a fry that you can feel good about eating. Don't you just love foods like that! Whole-wheat pasta, turkey burgers, Snicker bars with Almonds (Dr. Oz says Almonds are good for your heart!), light Ranch (okay, I do think that one is kinda gross!), Michelob Ultra, red wine, and sushi!!!**

Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip
courtesy: Ingrid Hoffmann

Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 4-inch long and 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick fries
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Coarse ground rock salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Avocado Dip, recipe follows

Directions
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss with olive oil until the sweet potatoes are coated. Add the paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper; toss to distribute evenly.
Arrange the coated fries in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes on the lower rack until the sweet potatoes soften. Transfer the pan to the upper rack of the oven and bake 10 minutes longer, until fries are crispy. Serve with Avocado Dip.

Avocado Dip:
1 avocado, see Cook's Note*
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup cream cheese
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped.
2 scallions, white and light green part only, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Place the avocado, mayonnaise, cream cheese, jalapeno, scallions, and lime juice into a blender or small food processor. Blend for 1 minute or until you have a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve as a dip for the Sweet Potato Oven Fries.
* Cook's Note: We find that Hass avocados make the smoothest and best tasting Avocado dip.

*He is quite cute. If you haven't been to Congaree Grill recently, then GO! I am telling you that the food is the BOMB! It is seriously that good! Tell Jr. I sent you. Complimentay Grand Marnier for you. If you are hungry AND in the market to buy or sell a home, then please go. See Jr. Now. I mean it. Head out the door.

**Mmmm. I could go for a Lychee-tini. Miyo's anyone? How can I when my bestest sushi partner is preggers? Do you think they make a virgin Lychee-tini?