-ATHLETE HEALTH TK

December IT’S A SWEET SEASON

Sweetpotato protein truffles

TALKING POINTS y Holiday dishes can incorporate nutritious foods and still taste great. Adding sweetpotatoes to recipes will boost flavor and nutrient intake. They are the perfect accompaniment to keep athletes warm in cool weather and provide carbohydrates to help meet training demands. There are several ways to utilize sweetpotatoes in recipes for the hol idays. Whether cooking for teammates, friends or family, consider incorporating sweetpotatoes into casseroles for an all-in-one dish, roasting sweet potatoes with other vegetables as a side dish, making sweetpotato crostinis and for dessert, a traditional sweetpotato pie. y Holiday appetizers are even made better with sweetpotatoes. By pairing sweetpotatoes with protein, athletes are a step ahead of meeting their protein and vegetable needs each day. Sweet- potatoes can be used to make the sauce for meatball appetizers like these Sweetpotato Turkey Meatballs, added to deviled eggs , or turned into a community favorite like nachos. y Over the holiday season, many active people may be tempted to grab fast food if they don’t have time to cook. Instead of letting the rush of the busy holiday season dictate what is eaten, athletes and active adults can make healthy grab and go meals ahead of time such as Sweetpotato Black Bean Veggie Burgers or Sweetpotato White Bean Burgers . Alternately, they can pair regular turkey or beef burg ers with Sweetpotato Burger Buns . Sweetpotato Sausage Bake can be made ahead of time and it’s an excellent dish to freeze for later! y Athletes can enjoy desserts and use them to help them meet their carbohydrate and nutrient demands to support activity. Sweetpotatoes are known for making delicious pies including traditional sweetpotato pie and various spin offs such as Sweetpotato Bourbon Pie and Sweet potato Peanut Butter Pie. Novel sweet treats like Sweetpotato Protein Truffles offer a great surprise for guests as well.

SOCIAL POSTS Sweetpotatoes are a pantry staple over the holidays. They help athletes fuel up for activity while also providing a delicious sweet, spicy flavor. Pair sweetpotatoes with fat and protein for long lasting energy. Incorporate sweet potatoes into your daily meals or make them ahead of time for quick heat-and-eat meals. This Baked Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole is a crowd favorite. It isn’t necessary to labor in the kitchen making super elaborate meals for family dinners and holiday dishes alike. When sweetpotatoes are a pantry staple, it is easy to whip up a delicious and nutritious meal fit for a nightly dinner or holiday spread. North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission has created an online recipe database packed with quick healthy meals and restaurant- worthy holiday dinners without all the effort. y It’s important to stay well fueled and energetic during a busy holiday season. Quick and healthy meals help athletes put dinner on the table without feeling overextended. Sweetpotato Black Bean Veggie Burgers or Sweetpotato White Bean Burgers are fast and easy. y Pies are always a holiday staple but novel holiday desserts with mashed sweet potatoes will also delight holiday guests. Sweetpotato Protein Truffles , Sweetpotato Biscotti and Flourless Sweetpotato Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Spiced Icing are great options. y Mashed sweetpotatoes can be frozen for a fast side dish or use in a variety of recipes. Cook, mash and cool completely and then transfer to silicone freezer safe dishes or other freezer safe options. Thaw in the refrigerator before using For more inspiration please visit our website. #HolidayRecipes #Sweetpotatoes #FestiveFlavors

Ingredients

• 4 small sweetpotatoes about 1/2 lb. each • 1 medium sweetpotato peeled and cut into quarters • 11/2 cups almond meal • 12 Medjool dates pitted and soaked in lukewarm water for 5 minutes • 1 Tbsp cinnamon • 1 tsp honey • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup unsalted almond butter or nut butter of your choice • 1/4 cup sunflower butter or nut butter of your choice • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes for coating (optional) • 1/4 cup cacao powder for coating (optional) • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips melted for coating (optional)

NEWSLETTER COPY The holidays can be a super busy time and many active adults may forgo healthy eating and end up feeling tired and worn down. However, it’s easy to whip up a quick healthy meal while also getting all your errands done if sweetpota toes are on the menu. Pair nutrient rich sweetpotatoes with healthy fats and protein for long lasting energy. Some of the best make ahead dishes include casseroles, bakes, and burgers. All of these dishes can also be frozen as well for a heat and serve meal later on. 4. Remove from freezer. Roll as desired in coconut flakes, cacao powder, or dip in melted dark chocolate, returning to cupcake liners. Place in freezer to set for 30 minutes. Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Directions 1. Boil sweetpotato in a small pot until very fork tender, nearing overly soft. Place aside to dry on a paper towel or kitchen towel lined surface. 2. Add sweetpotato, almond meal, soaked dates, cinnamon, honey, vanilla extract, almond butter, and sunflower butter to food processor (or blender if you don’t have a food processor). Pulse to combine, and then mix until finely chopped and combined. A sticky batter will form. Transfer mixture into a bowl coated with coconut oil spray. Place in freezer to harden for 30 minutes. 3. Remove batter from freezer. Use an ice cream, scooper to form tablespoon sized balls and place in cupcake liners assembled on a sheet pan. Return to freezer overnight to firm before coating.

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