Sweet Potato and Shrimp Cakes with Tomato-Orange Sauce

This large island with a Mediterranean-type climate and a capital, Nouméa, with many of the amenities of a miniature Paris, is a contrast to the rest of tropical Melanesia.

Here is a crisp and satisfying version of fish cakes that has elements of cuisine bourgeoise. This is not surprising since the French colonialists were predominately middle class.

Serve this dish as a brunch buffet or at a lunch accompanied by a fresh, green salad.