Glazed Sweet Potatoes I

Sweet Potato Recipe with Glaze and Pecans

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Glazed sweet potatoes are a classic side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans creates a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Sweet potatoes have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. Native to the Americas, sweet potatoes were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and have since become a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world. The combination of sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans is a classic American recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) of fresh sweet potatoes
0.25 cup of margarine
2 tbsp of brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp of Sweet'n Low brown sugar substitute
0.5 cup of chopped pecans

How to prepare

Cut the sweet potatoes in half crosswise.
Place them in a large pot with lightly salted water to cover.
Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, which should take about 50 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Once the potatoes have cooled down, cut them into slices that are 0.25 inches thick.
Spray a baking dish that has a capacity of 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) with non-stick cooking spray.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, and then top them with margarine, half of the brown sugar, and half of the Sweet' n Low brown sugar substitute.
Repeat the previous step with the remaining potatoes and ingredients.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the dish.
Bake the dish for 20 - 25 minutes, or until the pecans start to brown.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can use coconut oil instead of margarine and maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dish for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooking them can result in a soggy dish.

- To save time, you can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dish before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Glazed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They can also be served alongside green beans, cornbread, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the sweet potatoes in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the pecans to become toasted and crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the glazed sweet potatoes in a decorative baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Glazed sweet potatoes pair well with roasted meats, green vegetables, and a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover glazed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of glazed sweet potatoes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of glazed sweet potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of glazed sweet potatoes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of glazed sweet potatoes contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and margarine, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Glazed sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. However, individuals with nut allergies should be cautious when consuming this dish.

Summary

Glazed sweet potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal. With a combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Glazed Sweet Potatoes. It was a crisp fall day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and cloves. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals.

As I walked into Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was immediately greeted by the warm aroma of spices and sweet potatoes roasting in the oven. Margaret was bustling about, her hands covered in flour as she prepared a feast fit for a king. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making that smelled so divine.

With a gleam in her eye, Margaret beckoned me over to the stove where a pot of bubbling syrup and sweet potatoes simmered away. She explained to me that these were her famous Glazed Sweet Potatoes, a recipe passed down from her own grandmother. She graciously shared the recipe with me, insisting that it was simple enough for even a novice cook like myself to master.

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly whipped up the glaze, a magical concoction of brown sugar, butter, and spices that transformed the humble sweet potatoes into a dish fit for a holiday feast. She explained to me the importance of caramelizing the sugars to achieve that perfect sticky-sweet glaze that would coat each tender bite of potato.

As the sweet potatoes roasted in the oven, filling the kitchen with their tantalizing aroma, Margaret regaled me with stories of her own grandmother and the cherished memories they had shared in the kitchen. She spoke of long afternoons spent peeling potatoes and stirring pots, of laughter and love that had been passed down through generations. It was then that I realized the true magic of cooking – it wasn't just about creating delicious meals, but about creating memories that would last a lifetime.

When the sweet potatoes were finally ready, Margaret served up a heaping plateful, the glaze glistening in the soft light of the kitchen. I took a tentative bite, savoring the perfect balance of sweetness and spice that danced on my tongue. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a symphony of flavors that brought back memories of holidays past and family gatherings.

From that day on, Glazed Sweet Potatoes became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for every holiday, every special occasion, and even on ordinary weeknights when I wanted to treat myself to a taste of nostalgia. Each time I prepared them, I thought of Margaret and the bond we had forged over a shared love of cooking and good food.

As the years passed, I made the recipe my own, adding a pinch of nutmeg here, a splash of rum there, to create a dish that was uniquely mine. And with each bite, I felt a connection to the past and the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Glazed Sweet Potatoes for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that Margaret gave me that day. Not just a recipe, but a glimpse into the rich tapestry of tradition and love that has woven its way through my life. And as I take a bite of the sweet, sticky, perfection that is Glazed Sweet Potatoes, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that will live on in the hearts and bellies of those I hold dear.