Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters

These are delicious!  Crispy on the outside, smooth and rich on the inside…..and i love anything that has sweet potato in it :)  From Food and Drink Summer 2011.

4 cups orange fleshed sweet potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup raw shrimp, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 10 medium shrimp)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp hot sauce, or to taste
2 tbsp fresh ginger peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
3 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes (I left these out)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
4 cups vegetable oil for frying

1. In a large pot of unsalted water, boil potatoes over high heat.  Once they are tender, drain well, allowing them to sit in colander for 10 minutes for water to drain off.  Return to pot and mash.
2. Measure 2 cups of the mashed potatoes into a large bowl.  Add shrimp, salt, hot sauce, ginger, green onion, coconut, cilantro, egg, flour, bread crumbs and baking powder.  Gently fold together all the ingredients until well blended.  Allow mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
3. IN large pot or deep fryer heat oil to 350F.  Carefully drop fritter batter by heaping tablespoons into the oil using 2 spoons, 1 to scoop and the other to help push the batter into the oil.   Place 5 or 6 fritters into oil at a time and fry until golden on both sides, place fritters on paper towel to drain, and repeat with remaining batter until all are fried.