Onion & Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Stacks

2 medium sweet potatoes

olive oil

goat cheese

2 onions, finely sliced

black pepper

balsamic vinegar

honey

I do love a good sweet potato casserole (one lacking in marshmallows, I mean). Still, I wanted to try an alternative, something simple to put together that looked a little more elegant when put on a plate.  This side is all sorts of sweet put together in one bite, and there's no potato masher required.

Wash and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick or less.  Toss with a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl until coated, then place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with black pepper.  Bake at 375° for half an hour, until cooked through and lightly browned.

Meanwhile, work on caramelizing the onions: heat olive oil and onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes.  The onions will start to darken in color as the sugar is drawn out of them (not to be confused with burning-- if they're burning, turn down the heat).  Add a drizzle of honey and 3 shakes of balsamic vinegar, then continue to cook another 5 to 10 minutes.  Turn off the heat and stir in a few large crumbles of goat cheese.

Assemble the stacks by layering the sweet potatoes with the onion mixture and, if serving as finger food, secure them with a toothpick.