Lunch: Sweet Potato Pecan Praline Gelato

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon

Health benefits of Sweet Potato Pecan Praline Gelato

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup skim milk powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon, freshly ground
3/4 teaspoon allspice, lightly toasted and freshly ground
4 large sweet potatoes, such as Covington variety

Instructions

For the sweet potato gelato: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Combine 7 cups water with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, cream and milk powder in a large pot and heat until the mixture is about to boil, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully as it can boil over quickly. Stir in the cinnamon and allspice and let it sit to infuse for 15 minutes. Scrub the sweet potatoes and split them in half lengthwise. Place on a sheet pan cut-side up. Roast until tender and nicely caramelized, about 1 hour. (Visual cue: when the juices start to ooze they should be taken out.) When cool enough to touch, scoop out the meat with a large spoon, place in a food processor and puree. 4 large sweet potatoes should yield about 5 cups of puree. Mix the sweet potato puree into the cream base while the mixture is still hot using an immersion blender. Alternatively, use a standard blender. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. For the pecan praline: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix in the brown sugar. When the sugar has dissolved, stir in the pecans and salt. Cook for 5 minutes then set aside to cool to 40 degrees F. To make the sweet potato gelato: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's instructions. When it looks like wet gelato it is ready; this can take as little as 10 minutes. Dont let it go too long or it will become dry. Scoop the gelato out of the machine and use a spatula to fold in the pecan praline. Dont skimp on the praline. Each bite should have hearty sweet potato combined with rich pecan praline.
NotesWhen blending hot liquids, first let cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer to a blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open; this will prevent the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters and pulse until smooth.
This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.