Grandma Betty's Buttery Bourbon Candied Yams

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder what makes Thanksgiving truly sing ? It could be this candied yams recipe . Honestly, these candied sweet potatoes baked with bourbon will knock your socks off.

Brief Overview

This southern classic brings sweet comfort to any table. it's a simple yams recipe , that takes about an hour, start to finish.

This makes about 6 servings perfect for a small gathering.

Main Benefits

Candied sweet potato recipes offer a boost of Vitamin A. Serve them up for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast. What makes this recipe special is the buttery, bourbon glaze.

Oh my gosh, let's be real. who doesn't love some sweet potatoes with marshmallows ? i remember when i was little, my grandma would make yams with marshmallows every thanksgiving.

Honestly? i usually skipped the turkey and went straight for these. now, i add a little bourbon to mine for a grown-up twist.

This candied yams recipe takes that memory and elevates it. it's not just about the sweetness. it's about the rich, caramel-y, slightly boozy flavor that just melts in your mouth.

Trust me, this is not your average candy yams . we're talking gourmet comfort food.

Now, don't get me started on the whole yam or sweet potato debate. i use what's readily available and tasty, wink wink.

Either way, these candied sweet potato recipes are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. next, let's dive into the ingredients.

Okay, here’s that article section, all ready for your review. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Candied Yams Recipe

Alright, friend. let's talk ingredients. you know, the good stuff that makes candied yams (or sweet potatoes, wink) sing. we're making grandma betty's buttery bourbon version, so it’s gonna be good.

Think yams with marshmallows , but way more grown-up and delicious. this candied sweet potato recipe blows the others away.

Main Players: Yams (Or Sweet Potatoes!)

• You'll need 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of yams or sweet potatoes. I usually go for the garnet variety. They have that vibrant orange color.
• Also, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water.

Now, here's the deal. look for firm sweet potatoes. no soft spots or bruises, okay? that's how you know they're good quality.

If you use yams, the texture is starchier. this yams recipe is best with quality ingredients.

Buttery Bourbon Glaze: The Magic Sauce

• 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) of unsalted butter. Don't skimp! It's the base of all that deliciousness.
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar. This gives it that caramel-y goodness.
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon whiskey. I like a good Kentucky bourbon. But use what you like.
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream. Makes it rich and decadent.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Honestly, the bourbon makes this candy yams recipe special. a touch of spice, some vanilla. these candied sweet potato recipes can be adjusted, but this combo is magical.

If you skip the bourbon, try apple cider! that would also work. the most important thing, you have to make sure is that you avoid using yams that are not fresh.

This helps to give the recipe a perfect result.

Seasoning Notes: Wake Up The Flavor!

Cinnamon and nutmeg are your essential spices. they give that warm, cozy flavor. a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

Vanilla just rounds everything out. if you want a little zing , add a pinch of cayenne!

Flavor enhancers? Oh, my gosh! A splash of maple syrup can elevate it. Or a pinch of ginger! Experiment! I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really only need a few things.

• A large saucepan or Dutch oven.
• A vegetable peeler.
• A sharp knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A wooden spoon or spatula.

Don't have a Dutch oven? No worries! A large saucepan works just fine. A good candied yams recipe doesn't require fancy gear.

"cooking is like love. it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." - harriet van horne.

So, don't be afraid to mess around with the formula, and most importantly, have fun!

Now that we've prepped our equipment, let's proceed to cooking that candied yams recipe ! This is gonna be delicious. So get ready, because we're starting with peeling the yams next!

Okay, here's a blog post section about cooking methods, focused on candied yams, just like we chatted about!

Grandma Betty's Buttery Bourbon Candied Yams Recipe (or Sweet Potatoes!): A Southern Classic

Honestly, when i think of thanksgiving, i think of candied yams recipe . not just any yams, but grandma betty's candied sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery, bourbon glaze.

It's one of those dishes that just screams "comfort food," you know? it's easy too!. did you know that most recipes that call for yams actually use sweet potatoes? that's right.

This yams recipe isn't just throwing things together. it's all about building flavor and texture. i'm talking about tender candied sweet potato slices swimming in a sauce so good, you'll want to drink it straight.

And it is easy!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend

• First up, peel those yams or sweet potato (3 lbs, sliced into 1 inch rounds). This makes the cooking process a breeze.
• Next, measure out all your glaze ingredients before you even turn on the heat. Trust me. It saves time and stress.
• Safety reminder! Watch those fingers while slicing. A sharp knife is your best friend, but only if you're careful.

Candy Yams : step-by-step to Sweet Potato Perfection

1. Parboil: Put the sliced yams into a large pot with 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for about 15 minutes . You want them slightly tender.
2. Drain: Drain those yams like your life depends on it. No one likes soggy sweet potatoes with marshmallows , even if they're candied.
3. Melt Butter: In the same pot (no need to dirty another one), melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
4. Make Glaze: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes ).
5. Combine: Gently add the yams to the glaze. Make sure they're all coated in that sweet, sweet goodness.
6. Simmer: Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20- 30 minutes . Stir now and then. Watch them! And make sure to not burn them.
7. Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
8. Serve: Serve hot. Enjoy those candied sweet potato recipes !

Pro Tips for Next Level Yams With Marshmallows

• Don't Overcook! Undercooked is better than mushy, remember? You want a little bite to them.
• Bourbon Substitute: No bourbon? Use apple cider. But honestly, the bourbon makes it special.
• Mistake to Avoid: Burning the glaze. Keep that heat low and stir often! Burnt sugar is no bueno.
• You could try making the candy yams a day ahead. Just reheat before serving. That is what I like to do. It saves me some time on the D day. What if you want to keep things light and healthy? Reducing the amount of butter by half and opting for a sugar-free alternative such as erythritol can significantly lower the recipe's caloric content without compromising the dish's intrinsic flavors.

These candied sweet potatoes baked with bourbon are more than just a side dish. they're a memory. they're a tradition.

They're a reason to gather around the table and be thankful. now, if you don't mind, i am going to grab some and make these yams with marshmallows .

Alright, so you've got Grandma Betty's Candied Yams Recipe down, right? But hold on, there's always more to the story! Let's chat about how to make these candy yams really shine.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Candied Sweet Potatoes Baked !

Honestly, this yams recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few insider tips will make you a Candied Sweet Potato pro. You know?

Plating Like a Pro & Drink Pairings

Presentation matters. think of these sweet potatoes with marshmallows as a blank canvas. a sprinkle of chopped pecans? yes, please! fresh thyme sprigs? classy! for drinks? something bubbly cuts through the richness.

Prosecco is always a winner, or even just a sparkling cider if you're keeping it family friendly. i always feel like a crisp white wine goes really well too!

Storage SOS

Leftover candied yams recipe ? lucky you! pop them in an airtight container. they're good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing isn't ideal the texture can get a bit weird but if you must , portion them out first.

Reheating? low and slow is the way to go. a gentle simmer on the stove or a low oven ( 325° f / 160° c) will bring them back to life without drying them out.

Variations: Get Creative!

This recipe is your playground. for a dairy-free version, full fat coconut milk does the trick! instead of bourbon? apple cider brings a cozy fall flavor.

You could even try a splash of orange juice! it really depends on your liking, and what is available in your pantry.

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real, these are a treat. but sweet potatoes themselves are nutritional powerhouses. they're packed with vitamin a, which is great for your eyes.

Plus, fiber! think of it as a little bit of good with your deliciousness. each serving is about 300 calories! that means that it's really easy to track and include as part of your diet.

So, go forth and conquer those sweet potatoes with marshmallows ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make this candied sweet potato recipes your own. And remember, cooking should be fun. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned yams for this candied yams recipe?

You can, but fresh yams (or sweet potatoes, which is what most of us are actually using!) will give you a much better texture and flavor. Canned yams are often pre-cooked and can become mushy during the candying process, so if you go that route, reduce the final simmer time significantly and treat them gently, like they're precious jewels from the Crown Jewels.

How do I store leftover candied yams?

Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. A little splash of water or juice can help prevent them from drying out; nobody wants sad, dried out yams on their plate it's just not cricket!

What's the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, and can I use either for this candied yams recipe?

That's the million dollar question! In the US, what we often call "yams" are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are starchier and less sweet. For this candied yams recipe, sweet potatoes (the orange fleshed variety) are what you want.

Think of it like this: if you're picturing the Thanksgiving table, you're picturing sweet potatoes pretending to be yams!

Can I make this candied yams recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making candied yams a day or two in advance can actually enhance the flavor. Just prepare the recipe as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven, giving them a little stir now and then to coat them in that lovely, luscious sauce. It's like fine wine, they only get better with time (almost)!

Is there a way to make this candied yams recipe healthier?

You bet! You can reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol for half of the brown sugar, though it will affect the flavor profile. Also, consider adding some orange zest for brightness and extra flavor that allows you to use less sugar.

This way, you can indulge without feeling like you've completely blown your diet, a bit like having a cheeky biscuit with your afternoon tea!

What kind of bourbon is best for this bourbon candied yams recipe?

You don't need to break the bank, but using a decent quality bourbon will definitely make a difference. A mid-range bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice will complement the yams beautifully.

Something like Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, or Woodford Reserve would be fantastic, but use what you like and have on hand. Just don't use the really cheap stuff - think of it as giving your yams a bit of a treat, a "good show, old bean!"