TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES WITH LEEKS AND SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prick the sweet potatoes with the tip of a knife; place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 1 hour, or until completely tender.
• In a medium skillet over medium high heat, crumble the sausage.
• Cook until all trace of pink is gone. It doesn't need to be brown, just cooked through.
• Drain any excess fat and set aside.
• In the same pan, melt the butter over medium low heat.
• Add the leeks, sage, and thyme.
• Cook until the leeks are soft and starting to turn golden.
• Remove the leeks from the pan and set aside with the sausage.
• Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise.
• Carefully scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving 1/8 inch of flesh around the edge, so the skin will not fall apart when you fill it.
• Place the empty skins on a baking sheet.
• Preheat broiler, placing the rack about 6 inches from the heat.
• Mash the sweet potato flesh until smooth; add the sour cream and kosher salt, mixing to combine.
• Add the sausage and leeks and mix well.
• Taste for seasoning, and add more salt if needed.
• Scoop the sweet potato mixture back into the skins; top with the grated cheese.
• Place in the oven and broil until the cheese starts to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
• Cut each potato in half to make two servings. (If you used small potaotes, you won't need to do this).