Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese + Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese + Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

January 18, 2012

Hello you luscious grapes you.

You know, luscious is sort of one of those words that makes my skin crawl. It’s just so… blahhh. Like one of those words that makes you cringe to the point where you could punch a puppy in the face. So yucky.

Too much?

I just had no other words to describe these grapes. I wish I could hug them.

From the moment I saw Maria’s roasted grape crostini, I was intrigued. What are these roasted grapes that people speak of? I figured I’d be a fan since I generally adore grapes in all of their bouncy, juicy glory… but I had no idea I’d be THIS MUCH of a fan.

Oh my stars.

Add roasted grapes to the list of my most recent obsessions (oh hi Rob Lowe). I can’t get enough. And that is how this weirdo combo was born. I also really like to watch things burst in the oven. Easily amused much?

So what do we classify this as? A snack? A side dish?

Lunch? Breakfast?

I just know that I want to eat it every day for the rest of my life. And then again. Twice.

Can we make that happen? I’d like an afterlife full of roasted grapes please.

Plus, this whole mess is stuffed with goat cheese, which is like… a law of life. Cheese belongs everywhere people. Everywhere I tell you!

Roasted Grape + Goat Cheese + Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

[inspired by Maria's crostini]

makes 4 potatoes

4 sweet potatoes

2 cups red, seedless grapes

1 teaspoon grapeseed oil (or another high heat oil)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 ounces goat cheese

2 tablespoons honey + additional for drizzling

pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Poke holes in sweet potato with a fork, then wrap each tightly in aluminum foil. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until potatoes and tender to the touch. Unwrap foil and cut a slit down the middle of each sweet potato. Let sit until cool enough to handle.

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Lay grapes on a nonstick baking sheet and drizzle with grapeseed oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until grapes begin to burst. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Once sweet potatoes are somewhat cool, gently remove the flesh with a spoon, trying to keep the potato intact. Add the sweet potato to a large bowl, then mash with 3 ounces of goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper and honey. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired, then scoop flash back into the potato skins. At this point you can re-warm the potatoes (if you let them cool completely) in the oven, then top with remaining goat cheese. Add grapes on top and serve with additional drizzled honey.