Candied Yams

Description: Delight in the classic comfort of Candied Yams, a staple side dish that’s synonymous with warmth and homeliness. This recipe transforms sweet potatoes into a tender, flavorful, and slightly spiced treat, making it an excellent addition to any meal, especially during the holidays. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and paprika envelops the yams in a sweet and savory glaze, creating a dish that’s as irresistible as it is satisfying.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Inactive Time: N/A

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium sweet potatoes or yams

• Salt, to taste

• Paprika, to taste

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

• A few dashes of cinnamon

• 1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Parboil the sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until they’re just beginning to soften. Drain and let them cool slightly.

3. Once cool enough to handle, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them in halves lengthwise.

4. Arrange a layer of sweet potato halves in a casserole dish. Sprinkle each layer with salt, paprika, and a generous amount of brown sugar.

5. Dot the layer with bits of butter and add a few dashes of cinnamon.

6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining sweet potatoes, seasonings, brown sugar, and butter.

7. Pour about half a cup of boiling water into the casserole dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the lid or foil, and turn the sweet potatoes over, bringing the ones at the bottom of the dish to the top.

9. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the tops are caramelized. Add more water during baking if necessary.

10. Serve the candied yams hot, spooning the syrupy sauce from the bottom of the dish over the top.

Notes to Make it Better:

• For extra richness, you can add a splash of orange juice or maple syrup to the boiling water.

• To create a crispy top, broil the sweet potatoes for a few minutes at the end of the baking time.

• For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes before the final 30 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 200-250

• Fat: 6-8g

• Sodium: 100-150mg

• Carbohydrates: 35-40g

• Fiber: 4-5g

• Sugars: 15-20g

• Protein: 2-3g

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and serving sizes.