"BAKED SWEET POTATOES 5 WAYS"

From Everyday Food Magazine

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
coarse salt and ground pepper

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  With a fork, poke potatoes in several places.  Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet; bake until tender, about 40 minutes.  Cut a deep cross in the top of each potato and push the ends together to make an opening.  Add desired topping and serve immediately.  YIELD:  4 servings

BASIC:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper; dot with softened butter.

BROWN SUGAR:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper; dot each potato with 1 tablespoon butter and 2 teaspoons brown sugar.

FRENCH:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper; crumble bleu cheese over top, then sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans.

SOUTHWESTERN:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper; layer with black beans, salsa, shredded Monterey Jack and chopped cilantro.

ALL-AMERICAN:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper; dollup with sour cream; sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.