Brown might not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of pretty food, but there are so many great brown options out there. Some are just brown on the outside, like sweet potatoes! We were all around the store for this week’s color. From produce, to eggs, to nuts, and spices. So many of our family’s favorite foods are brown! This week we got sweet potatoes, brown eggs, Bosc pears, pecans, and cinnamon. Sweet potatoes are so versatile because they are delicious both sweet and savory. That’s what makes them the perfect toast substitute! I can’t decide which way I like them best so I like to make one a little salty and one a sweet treat. It’s a great way to get in some extra veggies in those bellies. Picking out the toppings is half the fun so make sure to let the kids help!

Ingredients
Toasts

• 1 large sweet potato (peeled if you want)

Toppings
(The topping ideas are endless but we tried sticking to brown foods!)

• Peanut butter
• Pears
• Honey
• Eggs
• Hummus
• Pecans
• Cinnamon
• Yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet. Trim both ends from the sweet potato using a knife. Slice sweet potato lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slabs using a knife or mandolin if you have one.
2. Arrange sweet potatoes in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 30 minutes (depending on thickness) or until potatoes are tender but not totally cooked.
3. If not making toast right away, remove and allow potatoes to cool on wire rack completely before transferring to a covered container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you are ready to make the toast, place sweet potato slices in the toaster. Toast until hot and edged are crispy. How long it takes will depend on thickness of potatoes and your toaster.
4. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Sweet potato pancakes are such a yummy way to celebrate the veggie of the month! There are so many different and beautiful varieties of sweet potatoes in markets these days. We especially love the purple ones but you can use any kind of sweet potato you have for this recipe. These pancakes are a great way to add some extra nutrients into your morning. Pack them up for a healthy snack or they are also delicious spread with nut/seed butter and tucked into a lunch box. Kids will love to help peel and chop the sweet potato, and measure and mix all of the ingredients. Applesauce makes a great lower-sugar dip for the pancakes, but traditional maple syrup is delicious as well. 

Makes 15-18 medium sized pancakes
Ingredients

• 1 medium (orange or purple) sweet potato
• 1 egg (or flax egg)
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1 cup flour (whole wheat or gluten-free blend)

Instructions

1. Have your child help you peel the sweet potato. You can do this by standing behind your child and holding the peeler together, making sure little fingers are out of the way. Cut the potato in a medium sized dice. If your child wants to help cut the potato, give them a larger diced piece and have him cut the piece smaller. 
2. Add 2 heaping cups of diced potato into a small pot and cover with water. Simmer until potato is fork tender and easily mashed. Drain and set aside to cool until cold enough to handle. (This can be done in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.)
3. Add cooked potato to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, take turns mashing the potato as well as you can. Have your child help crack the egg into a separate small bowl, in case you need to remove any shell. Add egg, milk, oil, and maple syrup to the bowl and carefully mix with a whisk until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Add baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger (if using), then mix to incorporate. Finally, add the flour. Stir until the flour is just mixed in. It is alright if some lumps remain.
5. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or butter. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to make as many pancakes that will fit in your pan. Cook until bubbles start to form around the edges of the pancake, 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Serve pancakes with maple syrup or applesauce for dipping.

Refrigerate pancakes for up to 5 days or freeze and reheat in the toaster for a quick weekday breakfast.