Sweet Potato Pecan Balls

Sweet potatoes. Was there ever a more perfect food? Aldi's has run out of bags, which were $1.50 for 3 pounds, so I am stuck with buying them at Rainbow. Even at twice the price, this makes a cheap dessert.

They are also really easy. I know the directions are a bit long, but the whole process takes less than 10 minutes, half of which is nuking the tater. Another great thing about them is that I get to use my Silpat mats, which Santa brought and have been woefully under utilized.

Hey - where did that 9th ball come from? Either it is a really big rascal or else I can't count . . .


Sweet Potato Pecan Balls
1 medium sweet potato - scrubbed
2 T butter
8 pecan halves, chopped (about 2 T)
up to 1 T sugar or honey (I didn't use any)
1 t ground cinnamon
salt to taste

Preheat the broiler. Wrap the potato in a paper towel and microwave at full power for 5 minutes, until soft to the touch. Slice open and scoop out the pulp with a spoon.While still hot, mix in the butter. Add the pecans, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly and form into 8 balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Place on a baking sheet and put it about 4 inches under the broiler. Broil until slightly crusty, 2-3 minutes. Turn the balls over and broil for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve.