Deliciously Sweet: How to Make Candied Yams

Are you looking for a sweet side dish to serve with your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey? Look no further than candied yams! With a little bit of patience and some simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and impressive dish that will leave your guests begging for seconds.

To make candied yams, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients: sweet potatoes or yams, brown sugar, butter, and a few spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The key to making perfect candied yams is to cook them slowly, so that the flavors meld together and the potatoes become tender and caramelized. With a little bit of effort, you can make a dish that is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Ingredients Needed for Making Candied Yams:

Candied yams are a beloved dish during the holiday season. It’s easy to make, sweet, and packed with flavor that hits the spot every time. To make candied yams, you’ll need a few ingredients at hand:

1. Sweet Potatoes/Yams: The main ingredient is sweet potatoes or yams.

2. Butter: You’ll need butter to add that creaminess to the dish.

3. Brown Sugar: The brown sugar makes the yams sweet and adds an extra caramel-like flavor.

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives that warm spice to the yams.

5. Nutmeg: Nutmeg gives the dish that extra kick of flavor.

6. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract helps balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

7. Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

8. Pecans/Marshmallows: Finally, you can add pecans or marshmallows as toppings, based on personal preference.

How to Make Candied Yams:

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making candied yams.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Peel and slice the yams: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into half-inch slices.

3. Make the syrup: In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Let the ingredients simmer on low heat until they form a thick syrup-like consistency.

4. Layer the yams: Take a baking dish and layer it with sliced yams.

5. Pour the syrup: Pour the syrup over the layered yams.

6. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

7. Add toppings: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the pecans or marshmallows on top.

8. Bake again: Place the dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

9. Serve hot: Take out your perfectly golden candied yams from the oven and serve hot.

10. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious candied yams as a side dish or a dessert!

10 Steps to Making Perfect Candied Yams

Are you ready to make a delicious and sweet side dish for your next family gathering? Candied yams are a classic favorite, and they are surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a memorable and mouth-watering dish that will leave your guests begging for more! Here are ten steps to making perfect candied yams that will satisfy your sweet tooth:

1. Choosing the Right Type of Yams

Not all yams are created equal! To create the perfect candied yams, it is important to choose the right type. Look for yams that are dark orange in color and have a smooth texture. These will usually have a higher sugar content and are perfect for making candied yams.

2. Preparing the Yams

Once you have selected your yams, it is time to prepare them. Start by washing and peeling the yams. Cut them into uniform slices, approximately half an inch thick. This will ensure that the yams cook evenly.

3. Preparing the Syrup

The key to perfect candied yams is the syrup. In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to create a rich and flavorful syrup. Heat the mixture until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Adding the Yams to the Syrup

Once the syrup is ready, it is time to add the yams. Carefully place the yams into the syrup, ensuring that they are fully covered. Reduce the heat to low and allow the yams to simmer in the syrup for approximately 30 minutes or until they are tender.

5. Basting the Yams

To ensure that the yams are fully coated in syrup and remain moist, it is important to baste them periodically. Use a spoon to scoop the syrup mixture over the yams, making sure that they are fully coated.

6. Adding Marshmallows (Optional)

For those who love their candied yams extra sweet, adding marshmallows is a popular option. After the yams have simmered for approximately 30 minutes, add a layer of marshmallows on top. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallows are brown and toasted.

7. Removing from Heat

Once the yams are fully cooked and the marshmallows are toasted, remove the dish from the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serving Suggestions

Candied yams are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve them with ham, turkey, or other favorite holiday dishes. They also make an excellent dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Candied yams will last for up to five days in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

10. Experimenting with Flavors

While traditional candied yams are delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Add a hint of orange zest or swap out the cinnamon for ginger. The possibilities are endless, and you may discover a new family favorite!

Ingredients Required for Making Candied Yams

Candied yams are a popular Southern dish that is often served during the holiday season. The dish typically features sweet potatoes that are baked until they are tender and caramelized with a buttery, sugary glaze. If you’re looking to make your own candied yams, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients beforehand.

1. Sweet Potatoes/Yams
The first and most essential ingredient for making candied yams is, of course, the sweet potatoes themselves. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch with smooth skin and a bright orange flesh. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a sweet, rich flavor.

2. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a key ingredient for making candied yams. It adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish and helps to create the sweet glaze that coats the potatoes. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.

3. Butter
Butter is another important ingredient for making candied yams. It adds richness and depth to the glaze and helps to create a glossy, caramelized finish on the potatoes. Be sure to use unsalted butter for the best flavor.

4. Spices
Candied yams can be spiced with a variety of different seasonings, depending on your tastes. Some common choices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices add warmth and depth to the dish and complement the sweetness of the glaze.

5. Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla extract can be added to the glaze to give it a warm, comforting flavor. It adds a subtle sweetness and aroma to the dish and pairs well with the other spices used for seasoning.

Time to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Candied yams are the perfect treat for your sweet tooth. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, you’ll fall in love with these yams from the first bite. So why wait? Try out this recipe today and make your taste buds happy! Thanks for reading and make sure to visit us again soon for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!