Old School New Twist Sweet Potato Chips

Potato chips.  It's true, you can never eat just one. And with these home style chips, it's quite alright.  If you have never used coconut oil you're in for a real treat, as sweet potatoes and coconut oil are a match made in flavor heaven.  And when dusted with the divine blend of Xylitol, cinnamon, and basil, there's just one thing left to say--YUM!

  

Old School New Twist Sweet Potato Chips

Ingredients:

Serves 3

1 large sweet potato

Coconut oil

1 tablespoon *Xylitol (sugar substitute from birch trees)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon dried ground basil flakes    

Gently wash the potato.  Pat dry.  Leaving skin on, cut it into thin slices. In a skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of coconut oil.  While oil is getting hot, spread a clean absorbent paper towel on a cutting board.  Put Xylitol, cinnamon, and basil into a brown paper bag. Shake together to blend. Set aside.

Drop a small portion of the potato slices into the hot oil. Let slices fry separated until they are crisp and lightly browned. This will happen within seconds, so be ready to remove the chips from the oil quickly.  Briefly spread cooked chips on the paper towel to drain off excess oil.  After putting a new batch of potatoes in the skillet, dump the already fried chips into the paper bag and shake to season with the Xylitol mixture.  Remove the chips from the bag and put them on plates or in a large serving bowl.  Quickly repeat this process until all potatoes are fried and seasoned.

Salty variations:  Season with sea salt and pepper or sea salt and garlic powder.

Serve with a sandwich or as a snack. 
   

*Xylitol.  Sounds scary, right? The truth is, it's a natural sugar alternative derived from birch trees. Though not quite as sweet as sugar, Xylitol's claim to fame is that it is low on the glycemic index and that it tastes, looks, feels, and cooks like sugar. 

Be aware, however.  All Xylitols are not created equally, as there are some less healthy products made from corn husks.  I've found Xyloburst and Xyla to be two GREAT choices made from birch.  These products can be found online or at your local health food stores.  

Word to the wise:  Using Xylitol in excess may have a laxative effect, so use sparingly.

Disclaimer: I'm an amateur cook whose skills were learned from and honed by my mama, an amazing cook of old school southern fare. And because I'm no expert, recipes featured in my blog will NOT include caloric or nutritional information.