Quick Apple and Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion
8 sprigs fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
4 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
4 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups apple cider

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat add the butter and olive oil. Add the celery, onion, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, then stir while cooking until the onions and celery are tender. Add the garlic, cinnamon, allspice, and cumin. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and apples stirring to coat them with the contents of the pot. Add the vegetable stock and apple cider and then cover. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.

In batches, carefully puree the contents of the pot in a blender or use an immersion blender. Taste and season with salt. Serve warm or chilled.

When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Source

Sweet Potato Fries

(copied directly from source)

Ingredients

• 2 sweet potatoes, washed
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in the oven.

On a cutting board, slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Slice each half into 6 wedges. Place wedges in a large bowl, add canola oil, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss to coat.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place the fries onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the fries and bake for another 15 minutes until brown and crispy. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Source: Sandra's Money Saving Meals, Food Network

The first time I made these I had them with the Black Bean Burgers, both recipes are from same episode. 

They were crispy on the outside and nice and soft and the inside. I think next time I make them I will toss them in brown sugar also.