This is a quick, easy, relatively healthy recipe that can be a great side or a meal unto itself. It was revolutionary when I realized you could quickly cook sweet potatoes in the microwave (8-10 minutes vs. 45 minutes to an hour in the conventional oven).

1 large sweet potato

goat cheese

butter, olive oil or buttery spread substitute (such as Earth Balance)

salt and freshly ground pepper

fresh herbs such as basil or chives

Wash/scrub outside of sweet potato and pat dry. Poke holes in sweet potato skin on each side of potato, using a fork. Wrap in paper towel (to avoid plastering sweet potato all over the inside of your microwave if it explodes). Microwave 4-5 minutes per side, turning over once (so, around 8-10 minutes total cooking time, depending on size of potato/power of microwave). Take potato out and let cool slightly for easier handling. Remove skin, mash sweet potato with either butter, olive oil, or the substitute of your choice, along with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Top with dollops of goat cheese and torn up pieces of fresh herbs (I used basil). Top with another grind or two of fresh pepper for good measure. Bon appétit!