Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies

Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies Recipe

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you are craving a sweet and savory side dish. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the chewy texture of raisins and the crunch of ginger snap cookies for a unique and flavorful casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The exact origins of Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies are unknown, but sweet potato casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. This particular recipe adds a twist with the addition of raisins and cookies, giving the dish a sweet and crunchy topping that sets it apart from traditional sweet potato casseroles.

Ingredients

1 container of Shedd's Country Crock mashed sweet potatoes
0.5 cup of raisins
0.25 cup of half and half
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp of packed brown sugar
0.5 cup of crushed ginger snap cookies
2 tbsp of melted Shedd's Spread Country Crock spread

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a bowl, combine sweet potatoes, raisins, cream, egg, and sugar.
Spoon the potato mixture into a shallow baking dish and set it aside.
In another bowl, combine cookie crumbs and 2 tbsp of Shedd's spread.
Sprinkle the cookie crumb mixture over the potato mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Let the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving.
This dish pairs well with turkey.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half and half.
You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
For a savory twist, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly mix the sweet potato mixture to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- For a more decadent dish, you can add a sprinkle of marshmallows on top of the cookie crumb mixture before baking.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked sweet potatoes or canned sweet potato puree instead of boiling and mashing fresh sweet potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies alongside your favorite holiday main dish, such as roast turkey or ham. It also pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies is to ensure that the sweet potato mixture is well combined and that the cookie crumb topping is evenly spread over the top. Baking the casserole at a moderate temperature allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to become crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ginger snap cookies on hand, you can use graham crackers or vanilla wafers instead. You can also substitute dried cranberries or chopped apricots for the raisins for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the cookie crumb topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake the casserole, simply assemble the dish and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

For a festive presentation, you can sprinkle some additional raisins or cookie crumbs on top of the casserole before serving. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roast chicken, pork chops, or grilled salmon. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole 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 Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Raisins are a good source of iron and fiber. Together, these ingredients provide a nutritious boost to this delicious casserole.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten from the cookies. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies is a nutritious and delicious side dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great addition to any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Summary

Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies is a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors and crunchy cookie crumb topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known far and wide for her delicious cooking. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the mouth-watering aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Martha greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Darling, I have a new recipe I want to share with you," she said, pulling out a worn and stained piece of paper from her recipe box. "It's my twist on a classic sweet potato casserole, with the addition of raisins and cookies. I think you'll love it."

I eagerly took the recipe from her hands and scanned the ingredients and instructions. It seemed simple enough, but I could tell that Martha had put her own special touch on it. I thanked her profusely and promised to make it for my family soon.

When I got home, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen. I peeled and diced the sweet potatoes, boiled them until they were tender, and then mashed them with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla. The scent of the sweet potatoes mingling with the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I added a handful of plump raisins to the mixture, along with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg. As I stirred everything together, I couldn't help but think of Martha and her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. I knew that this sweet potato casserole would become a family favorite for years to come.

But the real surprise came when I reached for the cookies. Martha had instructed me to crumble them up and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole before baking. I had never heard of such a thing before, but I trusted her judgment and followed her instructions to the letter.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the cookies melted into the sweet potato mixture, creating a crunchy, caramelized topping that was pure perfection. When I pulled the dish out of the oven and set it on the table, my family couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite was met with a chorus of approval. The creamy sweet potatoes were perfectly complemented by the plump raisins and the crunchy cookies on top. The flavors melded together in a symphony of sweetness and spice that left us all wanting more.

From that day on, Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies became a staple at our family gatherings. My grandchildren would beg me to make it for holidays and special occasions, and I was always happy to oblige. I would think of Martha every time I made it, grateful for her friendship and her gift of this delicious recipe.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on Martha's legacy to a new generation. And every time I made it, I would remember that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, where a simple piece of paper and a handful of ingredients had come together to create something truly magical.

So if you ever find yourself craving a sweet and indulgent dessert that's sure to impress, look no further than Sweet Potato Casserole with Raisins and Cookies. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I know it will in yours too. Just remember to thank Martha for me.