Quick Recipe for the Thanksgiving’s Sweet Delight: Homemade Candied Yams

Elevate your holiday feast with this classic side dish. Slices of sweet potatoes are enveloped in a rich brown sugar and butter glaze, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and crowned with optional marshmallows for a delightful, sweet-savory harmony that’s sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. The preparation time for making candied yams is approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes time for peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes, preparing the glaze, and assembling the dish. However, please note that this does not include the baking time, which can take around 45-65 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sweet potato slices and your oven’s specific cooking time. So, you should plan ahead to allow for both preparation and baking time when making candied yams for your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 medium-sized sweet potatoes or yams
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes or yams and cut them into 1/4-inch thick rounds or slices. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large baking dish.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the brown sugar and butter mixture over the sliced sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to ensure that the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. You can check their doneness by inserting a fork into a slice; it should go in easily.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is caramelized and bubbly.
8. If desired, you can add a layer of mini marshmallows to the top of the candied yams during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will create a sweet, gooey marshmallow topping.
9. Once done, remove from the oven and let the candied yams cool slightly before serving.

Serve these homemade candied yams at your Thanksgiving gathering, and watch as they become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. This sweet and savory side dish is a testament to the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving, bringing people together around the table to celebrate and give thanks.