America. Homecomings. Celebrations.  Colorful foods.

The countdown to my husband’s return is officially in the 2 week range, that being said many of our emails back and forth consist of things we are most looking forward to after being separated for 7 months!  For my husband, he can’t wait for good food again, and I am excited to finally have weekend brunch and weekday dinners together!  Deployment has taught me to be thankful for the little things and no matter what to choose joy in all circumstances.  I am blown away by what our service men and women do on a daily basis and what they give up to protect our freedom.  Today, I am proud to be an American and thankful for those who defend liberty.

And now, on to nachos.  In attempts to create some “husband approved” meals, I came up with this twist on the all American game day favorite—sweet potato nachos.  Eating healthy to me is about transforming your average food into some delicious masterpiece. Take nachos for example—fried corn chips usually smothered with artificial cheese.  Why not dress up your vegetables and and eat these real food nachos instead.  A perfect combination of salty, sweet comfort food, these nachos will quickly disappear and make for a tasty snack or dinner.  In just a few weeks, the Potters will be enjoying these nachos and some good ole American football once again.

Happy weekend! I hope this simple dish inspires your kitchen creations today!

Sweet Potato Nachos

The heat of cumin and chili provide a spiced contrast to sweet potatoes.  Garnish with sour cream, hot sauce, fresh salsa, or chopped cilantro.

…and you just ate 4 colored vegetables without even realizing it 🙂

Seasoned Taco Meat

• 1 pound ground beef, grass-fed
• 1/2 cup red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, minced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
• fresh cracked black pepper

Toppings

• Sweet potato chips (homemade or purchased)
• Curly leafed kale, de-veined, chopped & sprinkled with olive oil and cumin
• Raw sharp cheddar, shredded

 

Directions

To make the taco meat

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Heat a skillet to medium heat.  Brown beef and crumble into small pieces.
• Remove the meat from pan but reserve fat drippings.  Sauté onions and peppers until soft.  Add in garlic, tomato paste, and spices and continue to stir.
• Lastly, add the meat and sauté on low for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.

 

To assemble nachos

 

• Lay out sweet potatoes on parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil and cumin over finely chopped kale.  With your hands, toss the kale to mix in the spices.
• Layer kale, taco meat and shredded cheese on top.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Top with sour cream, hot sauce, fresh salsa, or cilantro.

 

 

{To read more about the health importance of eating grass-fed meat, click here.  US Wellness Meats supplies the best tasting ground beef and free shipping straight to your front door!}

Other great weekend and football watching snacks—

• Tripple Pepper Burgers
• Paprika Butter Fried Almonds
• Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• Fresh Chunky Salsa