I absolutely love watching food competition shows. It all started years ago with the original Iron Chef (back when I watched Japanese programming to improve my listening comprehension). I know that they’re classified as “reality television.” Yet there’s something about watching chefs at the top of their craft, battling for honor that makes these shows seem less dirty than the typical reality TV series. Then again, I should be embarrassed by the sheer volume of food-related shows I watch every week.
I got into Cupcake Wars reruns a few months ago, and now, I watch it several times a week. Yes, they’re on that often. The irony is that I don’t actually enjoy eating cupcakes, much to my friends’ dismay. I often get cupcakes with frosting that is just too sweet. Perhaps I simply haven’t met the perfect match yet.
Be that as it may, I wanted to make a dessert that is inspired by the cupcakes I see on the show. It comes as no surprise that chocolate is heavily featured in the contestants’ cakes. However, I did not expect the frequency of sweet potatoes or pumpkin used a key ingredient. One day when I was watching one of the Cupcake Wars episodes, I wondered, “What would chocolate and sweet potato taste like when mixed together?”
One word: Scrumdiddlyumptious! I was worried that the chocolate would overshadow the sweet potato flavors, but that was not the case at all. Plus, the almond meal crust was the perfect compliment.
Sweet Potato Chocolate Tartlets
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes*
- 1 cup almond meal**
- 2 TBS unsweetened almond milk, any other kind of milk works also
- 2 TBS canola oil
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, use vegan chips if you’re making these vegan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (~190ºC). Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a silicone mat. Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh from the sweet potatoes. It should yield 1 1/2 to 2 cups.
- In a small bowl, mix the almond meal, almond milk, and oil together until it turns into a dough. Line 9 muffin tins with silicone or paper cups. Divide the dough evenly among these cups and press the dough to the bottom of the muffin tin. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for melting. Set the microwave for about a minute and then check the chocolate. If the chocolate has barely melted, continue microwaving at 15-second increments until the chips are partially melted and very soft. Stir the chips together into a creamy consistency.
- Mix the sweet potatoes and the melted chocolate together until well incorporated. I mashed the sweet potatoes with a potato masher first so that it would be easier to mix.
- When the almond crust is done baking, fill each of the cups with the sweet potato and chocolate mixture. Bake these tartlets for 15 minutes.
- Let the tartlets cool before serving. If you are using silicone cups, remove the tartlets by flipping the cups over the palm of your hand. They should come out quite easily.
- Refrigerate any leftover tartlets in an airtight container.
Notes
Does anyone else enjoy watching food competition shows?
Welcome to Mommyhood says
I have been meaning to try this combination for a while now, but I still haven’t managed to get around to it. This recipe and those drool-iscious photos are definitely giving me that push I need! Do you mind if I link to this recipe in my meal plan post on Sunday?
Aaand pinned 🙂
Lisa says
Yes, you may link this to your meal plan post–thanks for considering it! Let me know how these tartlets go if you try it.
Joanne says
Chocolate and sweet potatoes together?! Girl, you are speaking to my soul. My two favorite ingredients in every bite!
Lisa says
They’re the best, right? I think we need to have a sweet potato + chocolate party, all the time.
Susan - of every moment says
I have heard of sweet potato pie, but the chocolate in these recipes seems really unique! Fun!
Lisa says
Thanks, Susan!
dina says
great healthy treat!
Lisa says
Thanks, Dina!
Heather @ PrettyHealthyMostoftheTime says
I love watching cupcake wars! I really want to try some of the cupcakes though. I can’t actually believe that all of them are good after seeing some of the ingredients…
Lisa says
I know what you mean, Heather. I get a bit apprehensive when the bakers make neon-colored cupcakes sometimes.
Beth says
The original Iron Chef started me watching cooking shows, too. I always loved it when Rokusaburo Michiba would take those few extra moments to write out his entire menu! I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Lisa says
YES! I used to stay up late on Saturdays just to watch that show.
Steve Lassoff says
These sound amazing! I am building a community of vegans and would love for you to hop over to wedigfood.com and leave a recipe.