Sweet Potato Gems (gluten free, vegan, no added sugar)

Sweet Potato Gems

This sweet potato casserole is hued in festive oranges and reds. In a break from tradition, no marshmallows distract from the delicate and sweet spiciness. So simple, yet so pretty and flavourful, Sweet Potato Gems would make a cheery addition to any meal.

3 cups grated sweet potatoes (one large)
1 cup grated beets (one large or four small. Beets vary greatly.)
1 cup water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt of your choice

Preheat the oven to 375F Grease a lidded casserole dish with coconut oil or a light spray of olive oil.

Layer the grated sweet potatoes and beets. (Do not mix them.) Start with a bottom layer, two inches thick, of sweet potatoes. Top with a thin layer of beets, then the rest of the sweet potatoes and rest of the beets.

Stir the spices and salt into the water, and pour evenly over the sweet potato and beet layers.

Bake for about an hour with the lid on. 

Looking for more natural food recipes and ideas? Check out these recipe shares: Pennywise Platter, Foodie Friday, Fight Back Friday,  Allergy Friendly Friday,  Allergy Free Wednesday,  Slightly Indulgent Tuesday,  Real Food Wednesday,  Full Plate Thursday and Empty Your Archives (veggie collection)

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Summer Veggies and Lentil Soup (gluten free, vegan)

Summer Veggies and Lentil Soup

Our garden is growing! Despite a couple weeks of highs at or near a hundred Fahrenheit, there are some edibles a few feet from our front door. Some things are doing better than others, so preparing a meal with our small harvest was like a bizarre episode of Chopped. My "basket" contained small beets and a zucchini. In my "pantry" there were organic Yukon Gold potatoes, lentils, and seasonings. The oven and range were strictly off limits due to the heat wave... Thank goodness for crock pots!

Beets are interesting because they are like two vegetables in one. The tops are delicious as greens and are rich in Vitamin A. The roots have a sweet and slightly peppery flavour and when cooked have a texture like a potato. Except for trimming the root ends, I chopped up the beets- tops and all- and added them to the pot.