Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips

This post kicks off my "Homemade Holiday Gifting" Week here on 28 Cooks. I've come to realize that I don't just want to buy some sort of shiny trinket for friends and family for Christmas. Sure, I could spend hundreds of dollars and buy all sorts of things, but I really want to give something personalized and delicious. So all this week, I'll be posting gift ideas that are tasty and delicious and sure to be enjoyed.

So those that know me well know that I can sometimes be an impulse buyer. I'll see something and know that I just HAVE to have it. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've learned to curb it a bit. I'll be honest when I say that when I got my dehydrator, a small quiet part of me said, "You'll use this for a few weeks and then it'll collect dust." But honestly, I use this all the time. I've had it about 2 years, and I'd say I use it at least 5-6 times each month. Matter of fact, I use it so much, that it takes up extremely valuable counter space in my kitchen and has for the past several months.

One of my favorite things to make in it is crunchy and salty snacks. I'm a huge salty snack person, so having a dehydrator means I can make healthy snacks that don't come with all the guilt.

These sweet potato chips are on constant rotation in my kitchen. They are spicy and sweet and salty, and their crispity-crunchiness just can't be beat. I think a bag of these will be a perfect addition to any foodie gift basket.

And don't forget to check back tomorrow for another great homemade gift idea.



Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Chips

2 sweet potatoes
Olive oil
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp raw sugar

Peel sweet potatoes. Slice thinly, using either a mandoline or vegetable peeler. Place in small bowl and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over, tossing well to coat. Add seasonings and mix well. Place onto dehydrator shelves and dehydrate at 105 degrees for 24 hours, until crispy and dry.