Cool Down This Summer with a Sweet Slushie

Cool Down This Summer with a Sweet Slushie

Each season throughout the year seems to
have its own “flavor,” and summer is no exception. Hamburgers and hot dogs off
the grill, refreshing watermelon at snack time and cool, delicious ice cream on
warm evenings.

While many people think of sweetpotatoes during the
holidays, you can make this sweet vegetable a key ingredient all year-round –
including summertime. As one of the most versatile veggies you can find,
they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing flavor and boosting
nutrition content.

Sweetpotatoes can be your summer staple in both simple and
elevated recipes alike, as well as in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be
cooked or prepared in several ways: on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or
slow cooked.

Or, for an easy way to cool down in the heat, try them in a
creamy drink like this Sweetpotato Summer Slushie. It may surprise you, but
sweetpotatoes are ideal for sipping – smoothies and cocktails are both
crowd-pleasers, especially during sweltering summer days. This refreshing treat
can be made with or without the boozy kick; just break out the blender and kick
back in the sunshine.

To discover more ways to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes all
summer long, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com. (Family Features)

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sweetpotato Summer Slushie

Recipe courtesy of the North
Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

• 1          cup cooked,
  mashed North
  Carolina Sweetpotatoes
• ⁠1          cup
  pineapple juice
• ⁠1/2       cup orange
  juice
• ⁠1/4       cup lemon
  juice
• ⁠1/4       cup coconut
  milk
• 2-3       tablespoons
  simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1          teaspoon
  vanilla extract
• 2          cups crushed
  ice
• 2          ounces
  spiced rum, coconut rum or bourbon (optional)
•             pineapple
  slices or orange wedges, for garnish (optional)

1. ⁠In blender, blend sweetpotatoes, pineapple juice, orange
   juice, lemon juice, coconut milk, simple syrup or honey, vanilla extract and
   ice until smooth and slushy.
2. Pour into glasses and serve.
3. ⁠For alcoholic version: Add spiced rum, coconut rum or
   bourbon after blending. Pulse in blender or stir after blending for layered
   effect.
4. Garnish with pineapple slices or orange wedges, if desired.

SOURCE:

North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission