The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), commonly called a yam in parts of the United States (especially in the southern and western portions of the country; this terminology causes some confusion with true yams), is a crop plant whose large, starchy, sweet tasting tuberous roots are an important root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens. The sweet potato is only distantly related to the potato (Solanum tuberosum). It is even more distantly related to the true yam (Dioscorea species) which is native to Africa and Asia. Thus, a sweet potato and a yam are in fact different foods.The genus Ipomoea that contains the sweet potato also includes several garden flowers called morning glories, though that term is not usually extended to Ipomoea batatas. Some cultivars of Ipomoea batatas are grown as ornamental plants.This plant is a herbaceous perennial vine, bearing alternate heart-shaped or palmately lobed leaves and medium-sized sympetalous flowers. The edible tuberous root is long and tapered, with a smooth skin whose color ranges between red, purple, brown and white. Its flesh ranges from white through yellow, orange, and purple.

When I found out that The Jazz Ministry (featuring guitarist Michael Landau) would have a gig at The Baked Potato on January 17 while I was in the area, I knew that no matter what else was going on that night, I would need to catch one of their sets.

The press lifted him up before Iowa, afterwords, he was dropped quicker than a 50 pound bag of baked potatoes. CNN didn't give him half the airtime as the two "front runners." How many states does he have to win to stay in the race?

Sometimes nothing beats classic nachos with lots of cheese, spicy peppers and lots of tasty toppings such as homemade guacamole, salsa and sour cream. This kind of food is perfect to serve with buffalo chicken wings, twice-baked potatoes and a nice crisp beer during a game or a movie. Nachos happen to be really simple to make...

These twice-baked potatoes from America’s Test Kitchen are easy to make and absolutely delicious. They are perfect plain with some sour cream and salsa for an appetizer (in which case they go perfectly with some crispy bacon bits), or as a side dish next to a piece of meat or fish. These potatoes are also easy to prepare in advance...

Baked potatoes are a real powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, all locked in one package.