Caribbean Jerk Yams and Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with, Rum, Banana and Ginger

Yams are a stable food in the Caribbean, They have a brown tough skin and the flesh vary in color from yellow, white, and purple. In the Caribbean Yams are prepared in various ways mainly boiled, mashed, fried and sometimes roasted. In this recipe I am using the white variety, and prepare with the roasting method.

Caribbean Jerk Yams

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 pound white yams Peeled and placed in water to prevent discoloration
1/4 cup  virgin olive oil
1 large onions peeled and cut into medium dice
2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon dry jerk seasoning

 Remove yams from water and drain. Place yams in a Large bowl and toss with remaining ingredients
Place on a flat baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until yams are tender, Turning to help with even browning.
Remove from oven and place in a serving dish serve warm
Serves 4

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Rum, Banana and ginger
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2 Large sweet potatoes or American Yams Washed and scrubbed to remove dirt
1 tablespoon butter
1 large ripe Banana Peeled and cut into diced toss with some lime juice
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon coconut milk
1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon rum
2 Tablespoon grated cheese, ( Cheddar, Asiago, or any favorite cheese)
salt and pepper to taste
Mash mellow optional

Place potato in oven and cook until tender ( Can also be cooked in a microwave
Remove from the oven cool Cut in half lengthwise.
Using a spoon scoop out the middle and cut into small dice leaving some flesh intact at the outer edges, Reserve Shells
In a small Sauce pan add butter and melt over medium heat
Add bananas and cook for one minute
Add the diced sweet potatoes and combine together lightly
Add the brown sugar, coconut milk, ginger, rum, and cinnamon combine all ingredients and cook together for one to two minutes.
Remove from heat add the cheese season with salt and pepper and mix lightly to combine the cheese
Place the mixture by spoonfuls into the reserve shells
Return Potato halves back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes
Can also place some mash mellow on the top to toast while baking
Remove from oven place on a serving platter and serve warm
Great serve as a side dish, Lunch or appetizer.
Serves 4