Sweet Potato Apple Bake I

Sweet Potato Apple Bake I Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet Potato Apple Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with warm spices and a hint of maple syrup. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering.

History

The combination of sweet potatoes and apples in a baked dish has been a popular choice for many years, especially in American cuisine. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup for a unique and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh sweet potatoes
1.5 lb (680 g) cooking apples
0.67 cup light brown sugar
6 tbsp margarine
0.5 cup apple cider
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground ginger

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes, then let them cool, peel them, and slice them 0.25 inches thick.
Peel the apples, quarter them, remove the core, and slice them 0.25 inches thick. While combining the other ingredients, keep the apples in fruit juice to prevent discoloration.
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, margarine, cider, syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Drain the apples well and pat them dry. Arrange the apples and sweet potatoes in a casserole dish measuring 9x13x2 inches. Cover them with the sauce. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25 – 30 minutes, basting occasionally.

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy topping.
Substitute honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Use a mix of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the sweet potatoes until they are just tender, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Keeping the apples in fruit juice while preparing the other ingredients will prevent them from turning brown.

- Basting the dish occasionally while baking will help to keep the sweet potatoes and apples moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Potato Apple Bake pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, or turkey. It can also be served as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, boiling, and sautéing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine.

- Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar or honey.

- Orange juice can be used instead of apple cider.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and bake when ready.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet Potato Apple Bake in a decorative casserole dish for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet Potato Apple Bake with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with apple cider or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sweet Potato Apple Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Potato Apple Bake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Potato Apple Bake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Potato Apple Bake contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Potato Apple Bake contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Apples are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to use a dairy-free margarine if you have a dairy allergy.

Summary

Sweet Potato Apple Bake is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying side dish.

Summary

Sweet Potato Apple Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its warm spices, sweet flavors, and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was crisp. I had just come back from a visit to the local farmer's market where I had picked up some fresh sweet potatoes and apples. As I unpacked my bags, I came across a crumpled piece of paper tucked away in the bottom. It was a recipe for Sweet Potato Apple Bake.

I have always loved trying out new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, so I was excited to give this one a try. The ingredients were simple – sweet potatoes, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. It seemed like the perfect combination of flavors for a comforting fall dish.

I followed the instructions carefully, peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes and apples, mixing them with the brown sugar and cinnamon, and topping it all off with dollops of butter. As the dish baked in the oven, the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the Sweet Potato Apple Bake out of the oven and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the apples, the earthiness of the sweet potatoes, and the warmth of the cinnamon all combined to create a truly delicious dish.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I served it as a side dish at Thanksgiving that year, and it was a hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and they couldn't believe that I had come up with such a unique and tasty recipe.

Over the years, I have made this Sweet Potato Apple Bake countless times. It has become a staple at our family gatherings and a favorite among my loved ones. I have even passed the recipe down to my grandchildren, who now love making it themselves.

But the story of how I learned to make this recipe goes back even further than that autumn day at the farmer's market. I first learned the art of cooking from my own grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen. She taught me how to use simple, fresh ingredients to create delicious meals that would bring joy to those around me.

I remember spending hours with her in the kitchen, watching as she whipped up batch after batch of her famous recipes. I would stand on a stool next to her, eagerly watching and learning as she worked her magic.

One day, as we were preparing for a family gathering, my grandmother pulled out a handwritten recipe for Sweet Potato Apple Bake. She had received it from a dear friend many years ago, and it had become one of her go-to dishes for special occasions.

As we made the Sweet Potato Apple Bake together, my grandmother shared stories with me about where the recipe had come from and the memories she associated with it. She told me about the friend who had given her the recipe, and how they had spent many hours in the kitchen together, laughing and sharing stories as they cooked.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every detail of the recipe. I could tell that this dish held a special place in my grandmother's heart, and I felt honored to be learning how to make it from her.

As we sat down to enjoy the Sweet Potato Apple Bake with our family that evening, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious dish, but I had also learned the importance of passing down recipes and traditions from generation to generation.

That day, the Sweet Potato Apple Bake became more than just a recipe to me. It became a symbol of love, family, and the joy of cooking. And every time I make it now, I am reminded of my grandmother and the legacy of culinary knowledge that she passed down to me.

So as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the lessons I have learned along the way. And as I take a bite of the Sweet Potato Apple Bake that I have just pulled out of the oven, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.