Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner? Forget bland, boring yams! This Candied Yams recipe, inspired by the Neely family's renowned Southern cooking, is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and memorable dish. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas, and it's a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9x13 inch is ideal).
Preparing the Yams:
- Wash and peel the yams or sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size helps ensure even cooking.
Making the Candied Glaze:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. This sweet and spicy glaze is the key to this dish's incredible flavor.
Combining and Baking:
- Add the cubed yams to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the glaze. Make sure every piece is well-covered for optimal caramelization.
- Transfer the coated yams to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer as much as possible.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these candied yams warm, as a delicious side dish to your holiday roast, ham, or turkey. They also make a fantastic addition to breakfast!
Cooking Tips for the Best Candied Yams:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure the yams are in a single layer for even cooking and browning. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Add a touch of spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
Variations:
- Pecan Candied Yams: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the yams during the last 15 minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Marshmallow Candied Yams: Top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 2-3g
This recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It's a delicious, healthy, and satisfying side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!