Baked Sweet Potato with Black Beans and Cheese 

Ingredients
4 Sweet Potatoes (about 4 oz each), skins scrubbed
2 cups canned black beans, drained
2 oz low-fat cheddar cheese, grated and divided into four portions
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Pierce potatoes with a fork.
3. Place on baking sheet and bake in oven for 45 minutes.
4. Heat the black beans in a small pan.
5. Once sweet potatoes are fully cooked, slice potato length-wise and top with half a cup black beans and sprinkle with cheese.

Seasoning and Serving Tips
Spice up the black beans by adding pepper and ground cumin to taste; or stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. To add some festive color, sprinkle some finely diced fresh red pepper or paprika over the cheese and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving   
Calories  283
Total fat  5 grams
Protein 14 grams
Carbohydrate 46 grams
Dietary Fiber 11 grams
Sodium 134 mg
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Starch, 1 Fat

Recipe contributed by Dean Dietitian Julie McLaughlin, RD.