This versatile starchy vegetable (brown on the outside, purple on the inside-also commonly called Okinawan sweet potato) can be steamed, baked or microwaved, and served cubed, sliced, or mashed. Once exposed to air, the purple inside will turn gray-brown not long after being cut, so you may want to serve it soon after preparation.

To Steam: Poke a few holes in a washed Hawaiian sweet potato, or cut a strip off all the way around. Steam 30-45 minutes until tender. You may want to cut into chunks to speed up cooking time.

To Bake: Poke holes, then bake in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes to an hour or until it tests soft when pierced with a fork. Scoop the soft meat out of the skin.

To Microwave: Cut in half lengthwise, peeling is optional. Put the cut side down in 1/2 to 1 inch of water microwave on high for 5-7 minutes.