Sweet and Spice and Everything Nice

Lately I've been on the search to find the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. I wasn't always a spicy hot-loving girl but when I met my husband things changed. He put Sriracha sauce on just about everything and ate hot peppers straight out of the jar like pickles. In his family, they piled on the spices, while my side of the family kept things a bit more tame. Anything made in my mother's house that comes out too spicy gets passed down to the favorite son-in-law. For me, eating spicier foods has been a journey and a learning experience. I do think that I've come pretty far from when I first met my husband but I have a long way to go before I reach his level. Shishito peppers here I come!

One way I've learned to combat the spiciness of a dish is to counter it with some sweet. The results can be amazing. Balancing the sweet and spicy elements are key. These Oven Baked Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are just that. They are the perfect amount of sweet and spicy and super sticky and addicting. They are to die for! It's a good thing that Sweet Potatoes are really healthy because of course, it makes me feel better about eating so many of them. These fries are a great way to introduce some spice into your life. Let's get cooking!

Oven Baked Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

3 Lbs. Sweet Potatoes
2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Sweet Paprika
1/2 Tsp. Cumin
1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 Cup Agave Syrup
1/4 Cup Orange Juice
Freshly Cracked Salt and Pepper

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Cut the Sweet Potatoes in half and than into wedges. You do not need to peel them first, just scrub really well. Lay them on a lined, rimmed sheet tray, sprayed with non-stick spray. Drizzle them with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Next add the Sweet Paprika, Cumin and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes. Toss to combine. Drizzle over the top with Agave Syrup and OJ. Season generously with Fresh Cracked Salt and Pepper. Roast for about 45 minutes, turning once. Next, turn the oven to broil (550 degrees) for about 5-7 minutes. Once there is some charring on the tops of the fries they are done! They should be charred but not burned so watch closely during the last few minutes. Fries will be sweet and spicy and sticky if done right. Enjoy!






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