Sweet Potato Pie Bites

Steps

• 1

  Preheat oven to 400ºF. Using a fork, poke the sweet potatoes all over to allow steam to escape while they bake, and place them in the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Remove from the oven and add to a large bowl, carefully peeling away the skins. Add the butter and milk and mash well. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, vanilla and a good pinch of salt. Mash some more to make them super creamy.

  
• 2

  Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to take tablespoon-sized amounts of sweet potato and place them in the breadcrumbs. Gently roll the sweet potato balls through the breadcrumbs, forming balls as you go and evenly coating each ball. Place balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. At this point the sweet potato balls can be placed in the fridge to fry later, if desired.

  
• 3

  Heat the oil in a large, wide pot. Once it has reached 350ºF, gently lower the balls into the hot oil and fry until golden all over. Continue in batches and set aside the bites on paper towels to drain.

  
• 4

  Roll bites in cinnamon sugar. If desired, toast the marshmallow fluff in the oven just before serving, then serve alongside for dipping. Enjoy warm!