SWEET POTATOES WITH BACON & ORANGE

3 slices of lean bacon
2 tbsps. butter
l tbsp. maple syrup
l/4 tsp. dried crumbled thyme
l/8 tsp. freshly grated orange zest
l-l/2 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 3) peeled & cut into l/4″ thick
julienne strips
l/4 cup fresh orange jhuice
cayenne to taste
In an llx7″ microwave safe baking dish arrange bacon between two
double paper towels and cook at high turning dish once for 2-3 mins.
Let it cool & crumble it. In a 3-qt. microwave safe casserole with
a lid combine butter, syrup, thyme & zest & microwave mixtue on high
for l min. or until butter is melted. Stir in sweet potatoes and
orange juice, microwave covered on high for ll to l3 mins. or until
taters are just tender but not soft, and stir in cayenne & salt to
taste. Let mixture stand, covered, for 2 mins. transfer to heated
serving dish and sprinkle with the bacon
Serves 4. Gourmet Dec. l99l