maple sweet potato loaf

Poor little Miss G. had her 12 month vaccinations today.

Gosh it broke my heart.

Luckily for both of us the process is over as quickly as it begins and after a big cry we enjoy plenty of cuddles and both start to feel better once again.

Knowing that I could have a fussy little one on my hands this afternoon I decided to get up a little early and stir together this super simple sweet potato loaf spiked with maple, vanilla, orange and array of lovely festive spices.

Returning home from the Doctor it was a pleasure to walk into a house smelling of just baked christmas goodness.

Miss G. did quite well all considered and with a big smile sat down to enjoy her morning tea of fresh pear wedges and a little slice of sweet potato loaf.

To create this lovely maple sweet potato loaf simply…

Begin by chopping 4 small sweet potato into small chunks.  I didn’t bother to peel my sweet potato, so much nutritional goodness is contained in the skin so I opted to leave it on, if you prefer a silkier finish feel free to peel the potatoes.

Rinse the sweet potato under water and with the water still clinging pop into a microwave safe dish and cover.  Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until soft and tender.

Use a fork to mash the sweet potato.  Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

Meanwhile place the wholemeal flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice and ginger into a large bowl.  Mix to combine and create a well in the centre.

Place the extra virgin olive oil, eggs, yoghurt, maple syrup, vanilla, orange juice and zest into a bowl and whisk to combine.

Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry and mix to combine.

Fold through the sweet potato.

Pour the batter into a loaf tin lined with baking paper.  Top with a small handful of walnuts and pop into a preheated 180 degree celsius (350F) oven to bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Allow to cool slightly in the tin before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.  Enjoy warm or cool with a little sliced fruit for a lovely morning tea.

maple sweet potato loaf

INGREDIENTS

4 small sweet potatoes, roughly diced

2 1/2 cups wholemeal plain flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

1 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

1/2 teaspoon allspice, ground

1/4 teaspoon ginger, ground

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 eggs

1 cup yoghurt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup maple syrup

zest and juice of 1 orange

1/2 cup walnuts

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (350F).  Wash the sweet potato and with the water still clinging place into a microwave safe dish, cover and microwave on high for 6 minutes or until cooked and tender.  Roughly mash using a fork.  Set aside.  Place the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice and ginger into a large bowl.  Mix to combine and create a well in the centre.  Place the olive oil, eggs, yoghurt, vanilla, maple syrup, orange zest and juice into a bowl and whisk to combine.  Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry and mix to combine.  Fold through the sweet potato.  Pour the batter into a loaf tin lined with baking paper and top with walnuts.  Bake for 40 – 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.  Allow to cool slightly before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.  Enjoy x

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