Platinum Chef 4 (I think?)

This PC Challenge included the following ingredients: Sweet Potato, Garlic, cilantro (yay!), yogurt and Chocolate. I made a summer sweet potato soup and a fruit dessert with a chocolate-yogurt dip. Both were yummy but the soup was maybe a bit TOO flavorful - I would make it again, with less (or no) ginger and less cilantro.

Cilantro Pumpkin Bisque:

In a large stock pot add about 1-2 TB EVOO, 2-3 cloves garlic, minced, and 3 small teeks (whites only, rinced well, chopped). Cook till softened. Add 4 cups of Chicken Stock, 2 large sweet potatos (peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes) and 3 carrots (peeled and chopped). Cook on med high stirring occassionally until potatos are soft through (about 30 min). Add 1 inch fresh ginger, minced (again, I would omit or use less) and cook for another minute or two. Adda handful of Cilantro, minced (I woudl keep but use less as it is a strong flavor). Immediatly, strain and add the solids to food processor and run until smooth (do in batches as needed). Add in the liquid and run till combined. Add juice from 1 lime. Pour out and add 1/2 to 1 whole large container of fat free plain yogurt (to taste). Serve topped with fresh chopped cilantro. Voila!

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Just for the heck of it, our protein fits too. I used my usually method for chicken - 1+ pounds of CHicken Breast (tenders cut) in a sealable container. Add a healthy dose of Tequila (maybe 1/2 cup?) a little bit of EVOO, 3 limes, squeezed, about 3 cloves of garlic, minced, and a handful of cilantro, chopped. Seal the container and shake well. If you have time, let it sit but the flavors will be imparted if you dont. Cook on a hot pan about 4- 6 min per side (should be brown and crispy)

Rummy Banana's with Chocolate Yogurt Cream:

In a baking dish, add 4 bananas sliced in 1/2 lengthwise and again widthwise. Top with a mixture of: Dark rum, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla. Top with thin slices of butter (about 2 TB). Broil about 15 min (turning bananas halfway).

In mixer, beat 4 oz of heavy whipping cream with a little sugar (1-2T) and about 1/2 cup of cocoa powder until stiff (note: fabulously yummy at this stage!!!).

Stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup of vanilla yogurt. At this stage, I felt it needed to be more chocolatey and added another 1/2 cup of powder. Overall it was V good! I think I woudl have been happy with the Chocolate stuff on its own - the yogurt gave it a nice 'bite' and it was almost like a soft mousse.