Sweet Potato Balls

[Lillith]

I've gotten several recipes off the internet for these (also from Food TV) but was wondering if anyone has actually made them. Do they really hold their shape? What do you roll them in (bread or cookie crumbs, cornflakes, etc.)? Any help would be appreciated.

[zwieback]

I've never made sweet potato balls. And, I've only seen them once -- on Paula Dean's show. She rolled hers in sweetened coconut flakes, sugar and maybe she threw in some cinnamon? She also wrapped the sweet potatoes around a large marshmallow before rolling it in the coconut/sugar mix. Yipes! My teeth hurt just thinking about it. :)

[ADM]

Well, some people eat marshmallows on top of their sweet potatoes and some hide them inside! ;)

The recipe I had 30 years ago called for chopped almonds, to roll the balls in.

[A very similar recipe is on page 99 in Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes Cookbook", published 1993.]

[SusanMac]

I have never heard of these before. Is it a Southern thing? I don't like marshmallows on my sweet potatoes, so should I just stop now?

[zwieback]

I know some people eat marshmallows on sweet potatoes. I wasn't saying yipes to the fact that people put marshmallows on (or in, in this case) their sweet potatoes. I was saying yipes to the fact that, in addition to the marshmallow, Paula Dean rolled the balls in sweetened coconut AND sugar. A little too much sugar, if you ask me. I've never had sweet potatoes with marshmallows. I usually just put some butter and brown sugar on them.

I bet rolling the sweet potato balls in crushed pecans would be tasty.

[JLCS]

I didn't know sweet potatoes had ......... :D

[dorothyntototoo]

Have you ever baked mashed sweet potatoes in hollowed out orange rinds? The orange flavor permeates the potatoes & they make a great presentation - can sprinkle with pecans or marshmallows :-) & stick under broiler.

Dorothy

[Ann Sanders]

I hate to bring up Paula Deen, but she did sweet potato balls with the marshmello inside, and rolled in coconut and stuff. It was on her Thanksgiving show.

[Lillith]

I hate to bring up Paula Deen, but she did sweet potato balls with the marshmello inside, and rolled in coconut and stuff. It was on her Thanksgiving show.

I know...as I stated, I got several recipes from the Food TV network. Paula's was SOOO sweet, "ya'll", it made me cringe! I kinda liked the idea of serving the potatoes in little balls and was wondering if it actually worked. Oh well, I guess I'll stick to my tried and true sweet potatoes and apple casserole!

[ADM]

zwieback - I agree with you 150%. Sorry you took it wrong, but I was making a joke. The sweetness of the coconut in Paula's recipe seems too excessive. Pecans, or almonds, would provide a nicer texture contrast.

I, personally, really prefer eating baked sweet potatoes with butter, salt, pepper and with no added sugar.

[erinl]

I was assigned sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner, and I'm going super simple. I'm mashing them with a little butter and cream. I know the traditionalists at MILs table will be dismayed, but sweet potatoes are so good without much adornment. Oh well, if they don't like it, they can make the darn potatoes next year. Every year I ask to make dessert, bread or appetizer. Every year I'm asked to make green beans and sweet potatoes. :rolleyes: The dessert and bread will be store bought...sigh.:(

[Capucine]

Have you ever baked mashed sweet potatoes in hollowed out orange rinds? The orange flavor permeates the potatoes & they make a great presentation - can sprinkle with pecans or marshmallows :-) & stick under broiler.

Dorothy

Now that sounds interesting!! Might have to give it a try. I love citrus flavor.

[Lillith]

Have you ever baked mashed sweet potatoes in hollowed out orange rinds? The orange flavor permeates the potatoes & they make a great presentation - can sprinkle with pecans or marshmallows :-) & stick under broiler.

Dorothy

Wow - this sounds great. Thanks for the suggestion!