Smokey Sweet Potato Fries with Cashew Aioli

I don't use the "V" word around Taylor. Honestly, if I say something is vegan he automatically assumes there is some weird ingredients involved and usually thinks he needs to run to the nearest brew pub and order a burger.  (Yes, he is an organic vegetable farmer but still.. this word is scary to him!) In order to avoid impromptu (and expensive) trips to the bar I refrain from using the forbidden word.  But here is the thing, my husband has been eating an almost vegan diet for the past 6 months without even knowing it.  He is completely oblivious to the lack of meat or dairy in the house or on his plate. It's all happened sort of accidentally (I'm not a vegan) but I take this as a huge compliment to my cooking. And don't get me wrong, there will be cheese on here pretty soon (sorry meat lovers no meat) but for now this whole "v" thing has been working well for us. Take these sweet potato fries with cashew aioli for example. One of Taylor's favorite snacks at an old bar we frequented when we lived back east was their sweet potato fries with a spicy aioli sauce. I decided to try a healthier version at home and Taylor was blown away. Okay, I may have lied to him just a tiny bit (I told him I cooked the sweet potatoes in bacon fat. Shhhhh!!!!) Regardless of my white lie he ate this entire plate of fries and was totally convinced it was "legit" bar food. Am I evil? Maybe…..but it's for his own good. If I didn't cook on a regular basis this poor guy would either starve to death or eat a LOT of food cooked in bacon fat. Since I love him to pieces and want him to be around for a long time I usually take matters into my own hands.  Thanks to a pinch of smoked paprika these sweet potato fries have that "smokey" flavor that can convince even bacon lovers that these fries are "legit." The spicy cashew aioli is simply delicious. I ate most of it with a spoon (oops!) This snack will unite vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters from all over. It's so stinking delicious and good for you that going back for seconds is encouraged. Dig in my friends!