What are candied yams? What are some good sweet potatoes to eat on Thanksgiving? What happened if you accidentally grabbed dessert first? No, no, these are something *special*. What’s the best sweet potato casserole you’ve ever had? What is a glaze that melts in your mouth? My Grandma Betty used to make these every year, and the smell alone would bring all the grandkids home. I swear candied yams are like a hug in food form. Is it easier to make a pie?
What is Candied Yams?
Alright, let’s break it down. Candied yams are basically sweet potatoes (or acorns) depending on where you are and what your grocery store is.) Store labels them! ) that are cooked in a sugary, buttery sauce until they’re soft, sweet, and glistening. Think of it as a sophisticated, grown-up version of something you might find at supper, but with more sophistication. What is the best flavor in a presentation? What is comfort food? Any Tuesday night when you’re craving a little something sweet and cozy. The “candied” part comes from the glaze – a beautiful mix of butter, brown sugar, and spices that is made with tamari. How do you coat yams in a sticky, delicious embrace?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? You get the earthy sweetness of yams, balanced by the rich caramel notes of the brown sugar. Is cinnamon and nutmeg a must for any dish? What I love about this recipe is how simple it is. If you melt butter and stir, you can make candied yams. What is the best way to feed a baby yam in the fall? How do I get a crowd without breaking the bank? What is a Thanksgiving staple? What are some good side dishes to serve with pork chops? I’ve even been known to sneak a few leftovers straight from the fridge – don’t judge! Is there any better canned version than this one? My sister makes a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows that is good but it never stood up to it. Grandma Betty’s recipe
How do I make candied yams?
Quick Overview
How do you make candied yams? You’ll start by peeling and slicing the yams, then cooking them until they’re tender. What’s the best way to cook yams on the stovetop? What is caramelized goodness? What is the best part? This recipe is practically foolproof! What’s the best way to watch the glaze and make sure it doesn’t burn – a mistake I made the first time I tried it. I tried this on my own. What are some of the best sweet treats?
Ingredients
For the Candied Yams:
* 3 pounds yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds. I prefer the darker orange yams for this; they have a richer flavor and color.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – make sure it’s fresh and soft!
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – I like to use Saigon cinnamon for extra warmth.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!). I have even added bourbon before!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Yams
Place the yam slices in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. When the yams are tender, eat them for 5 minutes or until they are just fork tender Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll fall apart in the glaze. Drain the yams well.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While the yams are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well. When the sugar is dissolved, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Candied the Yams
Gently add the cooked yams to the skillet with the glaze. Stir to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. The glaze has thickened and the yams are tender and glazed. How do you burn a glaze?
Step 4: Add Vanilla (Optional)
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using. What is the flavor of candied yams?
Step 5: Serve
Serve candied yams warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Can you store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?
What should I serve it with?
Can candied yams be used in a variety of dishes? My family loves them at Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey and stuffing, but they’re also very sweet. They are also a great side dish. What are some great side dishes to serve with a ham or pork loin? They add a touch of sweetness to balance savory dishes like green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts.For a Holiday Feast:Serve with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. The candied yams add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the meal.What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted chicken or pork chops?For a Brunch:Serve as a side dish alongside eggs, bacon, and pancakes. How do candied yams add decadence to a brunch spread?As a Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a quick and easy dessert. What is a satisfying I really enjoy it with a glass of port!
How do you perfect candied yams?
What are some ways to take candied yams to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting a recipe?Yam Selection: Choose yams that are firm, heavy for their size, and free of blemishes. I find that the darker orange yams have a richer flavor and color than the lighter-colored ones.
Slicing Consist Slice the yams into even rounds to ensure that they cook evenly. I like to aim for about 1/2-inch thickness.
Don’t overcook the yamsBe careful not to overcook the yams when boiling them. They should be just fork-tender, not mushy. If they are too soft, they’ll fall apart in the glaze.Watch the Glaze: What is the Keep a close eye on the glaze while it’s simmering. If it starts to burn, reduce the heat or add a splash of water.
Spice It Up:How do you spice candied yams? I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.Add some crunch: Add aTop candied yams with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Toast nuts before adding them for an even richer taste.Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute maple syrup for brown sugar? I’ve tried it with agave syrup before but it was far too sweet!
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftover candied yams (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Candied yams can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze candied yams. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the candied yams, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing and reheating them. This will prevent the glaze from becoming watery or crystallized.
Reheating Methods: Reheat candied yams in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or butter to prevent them from drying out. This dish has made several appearances in Thanksgiving and Christmas for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grandma Betty’s famous candied yams recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dish. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday favorites. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below to let me know what you think or share your own variations. I love hearing from you!
Candied yams
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Yams Peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 0.5 cup Butter
- 0.75 cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 0.25 cup Maple Syrup
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add yams to the saucepan and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer yams and sauce to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until yams are tender and sauce has thickened.
