Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze is a delicious and indulgent side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, rum, and butter creates a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze can be traced back to traditional Southern cuisine in the United States. Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe is a modern twist on classic sweet potato dishes.

Ingredients

5 lb (2.27 kg) sweet potatoes
0.5 tsp salt
Nonstick cooking spray

Rum Glaze

1 tbsp butter
0.33 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp dark rum or apple cider

How to prepare

Heat a large pot of water until it boils.
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters.
Add the potatoes to the boiling water along with some salt.
Boil for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Drain the potatoes well.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Coat a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Mash the potatoes coarsely using a fork or a potato masher.
Transfer the mashed potatoes to the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Prepare Rum glaze

Melt the butter in a medium-sized, heavy skillet.
Stir in the sugar and lemon juice and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until it becomes bubbly.
Add the rum, bring the mixture to a boil again, and pour it over the sweet potatoes.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the glaze has slightly crusty and nicely golden.
Allow it to cool for 5 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potatoes for a warm and spicy flavor.
Top the dish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. This will ensure that they hold their shape when mashed.

- When making the rum glaze, be careful not to let it boil for too long as it can burn easily.

- For a more caramelized glaze, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or ham for a festive holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar in the rum glaze.

- If you don't have rum, you can use bourbon or whiskey as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet potatoes and rum glaze ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze in a decorative casserole dish for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Candied sweet potatoes with rum butter glaze is a decadent and flavorful side dish that is perfect for special occasions. With a rich and indulgent flavor profile, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the culinary secrets of my elders. I had always been drawn to the kitchen, watching my mother and grandmothers cook with such skill and passion. So when I stumbled upon a tattered old cookbook in the attic, I knew I had struck gold.

The cookbook was filled with handwritten notes and bookmarks, a treasure trove of family recipes passed down through the generations. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze. My mouth watered at the thought of the sweet, buttery goodness that awaited me.

I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. I carefully peeled and sliced the sweet potatoes, taking care to make each piece uniform in size. I then prepared the glaze, melting butter in a saucepan and adding a generous splash of rum for that extra kick of flavor.

As the sweet potatoes roasted in the oven, the intoxicating aroma of caramelized sugar and warm spices filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the golden-brown sweet potatoes out of the oven and drizzled them with the rum butter glaze.

The first bite was pure heaven. The sweet potatoes were tender and sweet, with a hint of warmth from the rum. The buttery glaze added a richness that tied all the flavors together perfectly. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for years to come.

I proudly served the Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze at our next family gathering, watching as my loved ones savored each bite with delight. My grandmother, a formidable cook in her own right, took a taste and smiled approvingly.

"This is a recipe worth holding on to, my dear," she said, patting my hand gently. "You have a gift for cooking, just like your mother and grandmother before you."

Those words of encouragement stayed with me as I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen. I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding a pinch of cinnamon here, a sprinkle of nutmeg there. Each time, the Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze proved to be a hit, eliciting oohs and ahhs from all who tasted it.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, always happy to pass on the deliciousness that had brought so much joy to my own family. I even entered it in a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the newspaper.

But no matter how many accolades I received, the true reward came from seeing the smiles on the faces of my loved ones as they enjoyed a heaping plate of Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze. It was a dish that brought us together, a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal we shared.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe that would become a cherished tradition in our family, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. I may not have invented the recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze, but I am honored to carry on the tradition and share it with future generations.

For in the kitchen, as in life, it is the simple pleasures that bring us the greatest joy. And for me, there is no greater joy than cooking up a batch of Candied Sweet Potatoes with Rum Butter Glaze, knowing that each bite is a taste of love and tradition that will never fade.