Roasted Sweet Potatoes Southwestern Style

April Rain Song 

by Langston Hughes 

Let the rain kiss you. 

Let the rain beat upon your head 

with silver liquid drops. 

Let the rain sing you a lullaby. 

The rain makes still pools 

on the sidewalk. 

The rain makes running pools 

in the gutter. 

The rain plays a little sleep-song 

on our roof at night. 

And I love the rain.

In Time of Silver Rain 

by Langston Hughes 

In time of silver rain 

The earth 

Puts forth new life again, 

Green grasses grow 

And flowers lift their heads, 

And all over the plain 

The wonder spreads 

Of life, 

Of life, 

Of life! 

In time of silver rain 

The butterflies 

Lift silken wings 

To catch a rainbow cry, 

And trees put forth 

New leaves to sing 

In joy beneath the sky 

As down the roadway 

Passing boys and girls 

Go singing, too, 

In time of silver rain 

When spring 

And Life 

Are new. 

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Southwest Style

Cook's notes: There’s nothing like a little Southwestern twist to spice up roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes! These potatoes are lightly dusted with chile powder, paprika, cumin and a touch of red pepper flakes with cinnamon before heading into the oven where they bake up crispy with a deep rusty-golden color. It's a great side dish to serve with hamburgers, salmon or chicken.
Recipe adapted from cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com and serves 2-3
Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 
• 1 cup combination mini red and yellow peppers, diced  
• 1 cup sweet onions e.g. Vidalia, cut into 1-inch chunks or red onions
• 2 TB. olive oil or Tuscan Herb Olive Oil 
• 1/2 tsp. chile powder
• 1/2 tsp. sweet or smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp. Saigon cinnamon
• Coarse salt and fresh black pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone pad. 
• Toss sweet potatoes, peppers and onions with oil in large bowl. Spread evenly on baking sheet. 
• Mix chile powder, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes or regular potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Roast 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes or potatoes are tender and crispy, stirring halfway through cooking time.