Sweet Potatoes With Balsamic Onions, Bacon, Asiago and Scallions

• sweet potatoes (medium or large)3
• butter↗3 -4 tablespoons

  split

• olive oil↗1 -2 tablespoon
• milk↗1⁄3 cup
• salt↗

  I start with 1t

• pepper↗
• sugar or maple syrup

  a touch, if needed

• thinly sliced onion1 cup
• garlic clove, minced↗1 -2
• shallot, sliced↗1

  optional

• balsamic vinegar↗2 tablespoons
• slices cooked bacon, crumbled↗6
• asiago cheese, grated↗1⁄2 cup
• green onions, chopped↗2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cook sweet potatoes at 450 for about 1 hour or until soft.

2. 2

   Stirring occasionally, sautee onions, shallot and garlic in 1-2T butter and 1-2T olive oil over medium low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until onions are very soft. (Don't let the garlic burn or it will be very bitter.).

3. 3

   Add balsamic vinegar and scrape up any bits that may have formed from caramelized onions.

4. 4

   Set aside.

5. 5

   Carefully peel and mash baked sweet potatoes(we use a whisk).

6. 6

   After tasting, Add 2 tablespoons butter, milk, salt, pepper and sugar.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust ingredients.

8. 8

   Place sweet potatoes in an 8x8 casserole or a loaf pan and top with balsamic onions.

9. 9

   Bake, covered, at 350 for 15-20 minutes. (Increase bake time if casserole is coming from the fridge).

10. 10

    Top with crumbled bacon and asiago and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

11. 11

    Top with green onions and serve.