I did something really dumb.
Way to be positive in 2012! But seriously.
During the last week off we had a million tasks to tackle, and somehow I decided to download Temple Run on my iPhone. If your New Year’s resolution was to play six solid hours of mobile games, you can cross that off—I’ve done it for you.
I usually forbid myself from downloading games because I have zero self-control. If it were up to me I’d play virtual skee ball all afternoon with reruns on in the background and snack on terrible arcade nachos. You’re literally talking to someone who finished every version of Angry Birds in a single sitting. Got it?
But I downloaded Temple Run anyway. Two days later, I finally came up for air and saw Mr. How Sweet browsing on the iPad. It hit me: we could get Temple Run on the iPad too, and then we could both play it—constantly.
I grabbed the tablet and insisted we download it while he looked at me like I was insane. “Just play it once!” I begged. That was the beginning of the end.
Now we just take turns: me on my phone, him on the iPad; him on my phone, me on the iPad. Thank goodness we have two portable Apple devices (bless you, Steve Jobs) to consume our lives.
You’ve seen those couples at restaurants, each staring at their phones and ignoring each other? That’s us—only worse.
Temple Run has perfected the most grotesque death noises. When your runner is about to die or get devoured by skull-faced monkeys, the sound effects are unbearably dramatic and induce real anxiety. Don’t judge me.
I did manage to take a break yesterday to make lunch, which turned out to be these sweet potato rounds. I only stopped gaming because we actually ran out of cookies. I never thought I’d see the day, but these bites were worth the pause.
They’re crispy, savory, and unexpectedly sweet. I also whipped up a dipping sauce that might be the best part.
The sauce is made with Greek yogurt and just a whisper of truffle oil—one tiny drop is all you need for an explosion of flavor. I seriously want to slather it on everything. I’m planning to eat these every day for the foreseeable future.
Herb Crusted Sweet Potato Bites
serves about 2 (maybe more)
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into uniform rounds
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
2 teaspoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, combine the panko, parsley, basil, thyme, cilantro, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix with a spoon and then use your hands to fully combine the herbs and crumbs.
Peel the sweet potatoes if you like and slice into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing so each piece is coated front and back. Add the panko-herb mixture and press lightly with your hands so some crumbs adhere. It’s okay if not all of it sticks.
Arrange the rounds on the wire rack and sprinkle any remaining panko-herb mixture over the tops.
Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the sweet potatoes are tender. Serve immediately with the smoky basil truffle dipping sauce.
Smoky Basil Truffle Dipping Sauce
3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon truffle oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
pinch of salt and pepper
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth, then serve.
Update: I just glanced over and Mr. How Sweet put down his half-eaten bowl of three-meat chili to play the stupid game. Now that’s a problem.