The Best Ever Candied Yams
Made completely from scratch, these are the best candied yams to serve at any holiday dinner Sweet, tender yams with a simple syrup sauce topped with marshmallows. Sweet and savory!
Made completely from scratch, these are the best candied yams to serve at any holiday dinner Sweet, tender yams with a simple syrup sauce topped with marshmallows. Sweet and savory!
- Carbohydrate 20.4888980929102 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.899151154057721 g
- Fiber 4.6380498732454 g
- Protein 0.483358462185216 g
- Saturated Fat 0.585630769287922 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (34g)
- Sodium 2.39646154234474 mg
- Sugar 15.8508482196648 g
- Trans Fat 0.2013501539473 g
- Calories 112 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the peeled and cut yams into a large pot, and cover the yams with water.
- Place the pot on the stove top, turn the heat to high, and let the yams boil for about 5 minutes.
- Then drain the yams, and set them to the side.
- In a separate pot, add in 1 stick of butter, and begin to melt it over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted, reduce the heat to low, and add in the granulated sugar, and the brown sugar.
- Stir, and cook for 1 minute, then turn the heat off.
- Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
- Stir, and add in the vanilla extract.
- Place the yams into a buttered baking dish, and pour the candied mixture all over the yams.
- Fold in the ingredients. Make sure the yams are well coated with the candied mixture!
- Place the yams in the oven, uncovered, at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove the yams from the oven, and add the marshmallows on top (optional).
- Place the yams back into the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve!
My Secret to the Perfect Candied Yams
As a busy working mom, holidays can be a whirlwind of activity. Between work deadlines, school events, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, finding time for elaborate holiday meals feels almost impossible. Yet, there's always that pressure—that unspoken expectation—to contribute a delicious dish that will impress family and friends. This year, I decided enough was enough. I wanted a side dish that was both show-stopping and surprisingly easy to make. Enter: my candied yams recipe. Let me tell you, this recipe isn't just a holiday staple; it's a time-saver, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
This recipe for candied yams isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the process. It’s about taking a few simple ingredients—yams, butter, sugar, spices—and transforming them into something truly special. It's about the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as the yams bake, the sweet and spicy scent promising a taste of holiday cheer. And let's be honest, there's something inherently comforting about the process of cooking. It’s a way to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with yourself, even if it's just for a few precious minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There are no exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few pantry staples and a little bit of love, resulting in a dish that tastes like it took hours to create. I like to imagine the cozy feeling this will give my family and friends, knowing I spent a little time making something from scratch for their holiday meal. It's a small gesture, but it means the world to me, adding to the overall holiday feeling.
Why this recipe works so well:
- Simplicity: It requires only readily available ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet and savory is a classic, with the spices adding depth and warmth.
- Versatility: The optional marshmallows add a fun, festive touch, but they aren't essential for a delicious result.
- Make-ahead option: The yams can be prepared a day ahead, reducing stress on the actual holiday.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish is always a hit with both adults and children.
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about creating memories, sharing traditions, and bringing people together. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a part of your family’s holiday story, a comforting reminder of togetherness and the joy of the season. So, this year, skip the store-bought sides and embrace the joy of homemade. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you for it. Give this recipe a try; it's a surefire way to elevate your holiday gathering and make some lasting memories.
More than just a side dish: This recipe is a symbol of care and effort, a delicious way to show love and appreciation during the holiday season. It’s the kind of dish that whispers of warmth, comfort, and the spirit of giving. It's not just about eating; it's about savoring each bite, appreciating the flavors, and cherishing the company of those you love.
Happy Holidays!
