Sweet Potato Casserole with Collagen

Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is known to be the holiday with the best food selection. From the turkey to the plethora of sides and desserts, it's heaven on earth! The one problem is - we typically we find ourselves overindulging in a variety of foods that may not be very beneficial to our bodies.

What if you could have a crowd-favorite, mouth-watering side dish for the table that has healthier ingredients and actually contains nutritional value? Well, you’re in luck, because this sweet potato casserole is exactly that! Your guests will be coming up for seconds and thirds, not even realizing the nutrients within each bite. This recipe is gluten- and dairy-free, making it a good option to make for families or groups that have allergies or sensitivities.

Here are some of the great nutritional qualities in this recipe and why they are so amazing. Sweet potatoes are the main ingredient here. They are root vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, meaning they are great for supporting healthy digestion as well as immune function. Coconut sugar is a great natural sweetener and a much better alternative to refined white sugar and brown sugar as well. It is low on the glycemic index, which means it does not spike blood sugar levels near as high as alternative sugars after consumption. This is really important for individuals who have diabetes or those aiming to manage their blood sugar levels well. Coconut sugar also contains traces of some great nutrients, such as iron, zinc, calcium and potassium. Coconut oil is a healthy fat that is easily digested and used as an energy source for your body. Renewed Health's collagen gives your recipe some protein and easy to add! 

When all of these ingredients are combined, you have a dish you can feel better about eating and serving for the holidays.

Ingredients

Oatmeal Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup of gluten free quick oats
• ¼ cup of coconut sugar
• ¼ cup of coconut oil
• 2 tbsp of gluten free flour
• 2 tbsp of crushed pecans
• 1 tsp of cinnamon 

Sweet Potato Filling:

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of almond or oat milk
• 2 tbsp of coconut oil
• ¼ cup of coconut sugar
• 1 scoop of Renewed Health’s Collagen
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Final topping:

• 2 cups of dairy free marshmallows

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add peeled, diced sweet potatoes. Lower the heat to a simmer and let them sit uncovered for about 25 minutes or until they are tender.
3. Prepare the oatmeal crumble topping while the sweet potatoes cook. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the oats, cup of sugar, cup of coconut oil, flour, pecans and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Once the potatoes are finished, drain them and place in a large bowl. Use a handheld mixer to mix them and smooth them out. Then add the milk, coconut oil, collagen, cinnamon, vanilla extract and sugar to the bowl. Blend together with the mixer until it is thick and creamy. 
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly coat the top with the oatmeal crumble. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and add the marshmallows on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Once the marshmallows are golden on top, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving and enjoying!