As I mentioned in Monday’s post, I’m currently living in a hotel. It’s a nice hotel with a decent gym, reasonable breakfast options, and indoor pool and jacuuzi- so no complaints about the hotel. But I don’t have a kitchen. I do have a fairly large refrigerator, considering we’re in a hotel, and a microwave. During our first week there I was determined to find a way to make dinner for the two of us. I decided that sweet potatoes would make a great base, and the toppings would make the meal flavorful and filling.
As I was leaving my office the day of this planned meal, a co-worker asked what my dinner plans were. I told him about the sweet potatoes, and he replied that they’d be good, especially served with shrimp or some other protein. There was my moment of “uh-oh”. I hadn’t planned anything besides the sweet potatoes, which is fine when you’re me-sized and not my six foot tall husband. But it was late in the day, so I figured I’d stick with my plan and have my husband order a side of chicken fingers or something for himself.
I have to give props to my husband. He’s a trooper. He insisted that he didn’t need to order anything else, although he did eat many ounces of cashews. So. . .lesson learned. Just like at home, I need to keep the size of appetites in mind. Outside of portion sizes and hunger, this was a great meal. In fact, if I have an evening alone at the hotel, I can imagine I’ll make this again for myself.
Be sure to notice that this is a real picture of our dinner, as the potatoes are being served on the highest quality (wink, wink) paper plate.
- 2 sweet potatoes, washed
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored & diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Honey roasted cashews
- Pierce potatoes with a fork, and bake according to microwave instructions.
- Remove potatoes from microwave.
- Place diced apple in a plastic storage bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and toss.
- Microwave apple for 30 seconds on high; toss; microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Top each potato half with one-fourth of the apples.
- Cut cashews into bite-sized pieces, and sprinkle on potatoes.
- If you’re in a hotel and don’t have your own sugar bowl, just grab an extra packet when you have your morning coffee.
- Cashews can be replaced with your favorite nut. Opt for honey roasted or other seasoned nut for extra flavor.