Coconut Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Happy December! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and are ready to embrace the Christmas holiday and dare I say it New Year!

I love this magical season and all our traditions!

We have several family traditions but since the beginning of this blog, I have had a blog Christmas tradition too. You see, every year I have done a 12 Days of Christmas, and for 12 consecutive days featured a different holiday themed recipe each day. The first (and unofficial) year I did sweet treats, then for two years in a row I did 12 days of breakfast recipes (perfect for Christmas morning) and last year I did 12 days of homemade gift ideas. I love this little blog tradition (and hope you have enjoyed it too)!

But unfortunately, this year, I will not be able to a 12 Days of Christmas countdown. I am really saddened by this (insert the saddest emoji face ever). But this December, has me working a big event which requires 14 hour days for two weeks and then after that I want to be able to enjoy some special holiday events. I didn’t think it would be possible to pull off my 12 Days of Christmas without officially ‘loosing it.’ So this year I am putting it on hold (and that gives me like 365+ days to plan for next year), but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a whole slew of tasty, fun and holiday inspired recipes (and a few crafts) headed your way!

Now that we got that out of the way, lets talk Christmas dinner. What is traditionally served in your house? Do you have a traditional Cajun meal with seafood gumbo? Or a Texas BBQ feast with a smoked brisket? Or a traditional Italian fish dinner? Or a Thanksgiving redo with ham instead?

My in-laws are Italian so with them it is the traditional Italian fish dinner with Linguine and Clams, Mussels and Garlic Bread and Baked Ziti for the fish haters. My family on the other hand, basically has a Thanksgiving redo, with a ham and/or smoked turkey and a change up of sides. So basically whatever didn’t make it to the Thanksgiving spread gets done for Christmas. Like if we had Cornbread Dressing for Thanksgiving we will have Garlic Cheese Grits at Christmas. Or if we had Peach Pie Fruit Salad at Thanksgiving then this Creamy Fruit Salad is made at Christmas… you get the idea.

These Coconut Mashed Sweet Potatoes would be a great dish served along side a glazed ham for Christmas dinner. The coconut takes them up a notch from traditional mashed sweet potatoes, and while sweet they are not overly sweet (like with traditional sweet potato casserole). Another plus about these potatoes is that if any of your dinner guests have special diet needs, these mashed potatoes are gluten free, lactose free and Paleo friendly!

One Year Ago: One Bowl Brownies 
Two Years Ago: Omeleta me Patates (Greek Potato Omelet)
Three Years Ago: Cheesy Turkey and Veggie Casserole 
Four Years Ago: Cookbook Review: The Dean Bros. Cookbook: From The Road 

Coconut Mashed Sweet Potatoes 
By Heather of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Version
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Serves: 4

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil, melted
3-4 tablespoons coconut sugar or pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2-3/4 cup coconut milk

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and boil for 12-15 minutes, or until potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork.

Meanwhile, heat a small non-stick skillet over medium low heat. Add coconut and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Set aside.

Remove potatoes from heat and drain. Place drained potatoes in a large bowl. Add melted coconut oil, sugar/maple syrup, salt and ½ cup coconut milk. Using a hand held masher or electric mixer, mash potatoes, adding additional coconut milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.

Top mashed sweet potatoes with toasted coconut right before serving.

Other recipes you might enjoy:
Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Streusel 
Sweet and Savory Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Honey Butter
Sweet Potato and Jicama Slaw 
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries