Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Mom's Favorite from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This sweet and savory dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. It was originally created by my grandmother and has been a staple at our holiday meals for as long as I can remember.

Ingredients

6 medium sweet potatoes
2 beaten eggs
0.25 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup orange juice
6 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground cloves
0.67 cup pecan halves

Syrup

0.25 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp butter

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
Peel and boil sweet potatoes until soft; cool slightly.
Mash potatoes until creamy.
Add eggs, brown sugar, orange juice, butter, cinnamon, and cloves; mix well.
Place in a lightly greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole and smooth the top.
Set aside.

Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm brown sugar, orange juice, and butter until melted.
Arrange pecans on top of sweet potatoes and drizzle with syrup.
Bake for 35 minutes.

Variations

For a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar to the sweet potato mixture.
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
Top with marshmallows for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mash the sweet potatoes until they are creamy to ensure a smooth texture in the casserole.

- Drizzling the syrup over the pecans adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish.

- Make sure to cool the sweet potatoes slightly before mashing to avoid burning yourself.

Serving Suggestions

Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It is also delicious served alongside green beans or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the sweet potatoes until soft ensures a smooth texture in the casserole. Be sure to mash them well for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You can also substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar in the syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole in a decorative casserole dish for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or a sparkling cider. It also goes well with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and pecans, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also contains important vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any special occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a crisp autumn day, and the leaves were falling from the trees in a kaleidoscope of colors. I was visiting my dear friend, Mary, who had invited me over for a Sunday supper. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mary had been busy preparing a feast for us, and the star of the show was her famous Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole.

I watched in awe as Mary peeled and mashed the sweet potatoes, adding just the right amount of brown sugar, butter, and spices. The kitchen was filled with laughter and chatter as we caught up on each other's lives. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the sweet potato casserole. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - sweet, creamy, and decadent. The combination of the caramelized brown sugar and the subtle hint of spices was pure perfection. I was hooked.

After dinner, I begged Mary for the recipe. She laughed and told me that it was a family secret, passed down from generation to generation. But she could see how much I loved it, so she promised to teach me how to make it.

Over the next few weeks, Mary and I spent countless hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe for Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole. I learned all of her tips and tricks, from how to pick the perfect sweet potatoes to the best way to mash them for maximum creaminess. It was a labor of love, but I was determined to master it.

Finally, the day came when I made the casserole all on my own. I carefully peeled and boiled the sweet potatoes, then mashed them with butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. As the casserole baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its irresistible aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

When it was finally done, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took a bite. It was perfect - just like Mary's. I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

From that day on, Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole became a staple at all of our family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, evoking memories of laughter, love, and great food. And every time I made it, I thought of Mary and the joy of discovering that recipe for the first time.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing the casserole for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life. The recipe may have originated with Mary's mom, but it has become a part of my own family's story. And for that, I am truly blessed.