The famed Miami Beach cardiologist who has helped millions of people worldwide to lose weight and eat healthier with his best-selling South Beach Diet books now addresses the special challenge that can undermine anyones willpower, the irresistible lure of diet-busting dishes at festive occasions. As the more than 20 menus and 150 easy, all-new recipes in this cookbook prove, theres no need to give up favorite holiday and party dishes to stay on the South Beach Diet.
The sturdy texture of sweet potatoes makes them perfect for roasting and using as colorful orange 'cups' for tasty fillings like this one, made with feta, garlic, and chives.
Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Cut potatoes into 30 (3/4-inch-thick) rounds. With a melon baller, carefully scoop a pocket into each potato piece, being careful not to scoop through bottoms; discard scooped-out portion.
Combine potato pieces, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and garlic in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread potatoes out on the baking sheet, scooped-out side up.
Roast until potatoes are just tender and edges are starting to brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, mash feta, chives, and remaining 1 teaspoon oil together in a small bowl. Season with pepper to taste.
Remove potatoes from oven and fill each pocket with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon cheese mixture. Return to oven and bake until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Make-Ahead: Cheese mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate in a covered container until ready to use. Sweet potatoes can be roasted (without cheese mixture) up to 8 hours before the party; cover and leave at room temperature. Fill with cheese mixture and warm through just before serving.
Nutrition at a Glance
Per serving: 80 calories, 2.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 150 mg sodium
