Bellaire Brown Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Smoked Bacon

I created this recipe in honor of those of you that think you don't like sweet potatoes. This dish rocks -- I mean, beer? Bacon? How could you possibly go wrong? It's sweet, salty, smoky, and tangy, making it a great complement to practically any meal.

If you haven't tasted the Bellaire Brown from Short's Brewing Company yet, it's very bready with just the perfect hint of spice that you want with your sweet potatoes. It has a nutty, sweet, caramel maltiness with hints of dark chocolate and is a very enjoyable brown ale.

So give this recipe a try, and let me know how things work out for 'ya. Here's what you're going to need:

2 large sweet potatoes

Olive oil (enough to brush on the sweet potatoes)

6 strips maple smoked bacon

1 tablespoon butter

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons light brown sugar

2/3 cup Short's Bellaire Brown

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. Wash the potatoes and pat dry. Cut in half and brush the cut side with a little bit of olive oil. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until soft when squeezed between the folds of a towel. Depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, this should take about 30-40 minutes.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add bacon. Cook, turning frequently, until browned and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-toweled lined plate to drain. Cool completely. Chop finely, reserving about one slice for garnish.

3. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove from oven and cool for 5-10 minutes. Scoop out the flesh and set aside.

4. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced onions and brown sugar; stir occasionally, until the onions caramelize and turn a deep golden brown, about 10-12 minutes (pictured below on left). Add beer and cook 2 minutes. Add maple syrup. Stir well and cook 3-4 minutes (pictured below on right).

5. Add roasted potatoes and bacon to skillet. Stir well. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with reserved bacon and enjoy!

The ultimate 'Cooking With Michigan Beer' meal -- Crooked Tree IPA Slaw, grilled chicken with Hobo's Breath Barbecue Sauce and Majestic Wheat Ale Barbecue Sauce, and the Bellaire Brown Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Bacon.

Makes about 4 servings.