How to Make Delicious Candy Yams at Home

Are you ready to indulge in some lip-smacking candy yams? Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, these sweet potatoes can never go wrong. It’s easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. All you need is some sweet potatoes, butter, marshmallows, brown sugar, and a few spices. You don’t have to be an expert chef to make this delicious dish, let’s get started!

First things first, let’s choose the right sweet potatoes. You want to look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of cracks or bruises. Wash and peel them, and cut them into one-inch thick slices. Boil them in a pot of water for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re tender. Drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside. Now it’s time to add some sweetness and flavor to them!

Ingredients needed to make candy yams

Making candy yams is a relatively simple process that only requires a few key ingredients. Below are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

Yams

The first ingredient on the list is, of course, yams. You will need fresh yams for this recipe. You can find them at your local supermarket, or you can source them from a local farmer’s market. It is important to choose yams that are fresh and firm.

Brown sugar

Brown sugar is a key ingredient that gives candy yams their signature sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar for this recipe depending on your preference.

Butter

Butter brings richness and flavor to the dish. You can use unsalted butter for this recipe, but salted butter will also work well.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an essential spice in this recipe. It adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor of the dish. You can use ground cinnamon, or you can try using cinnamon sticks for a milder taste.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a warming spice that adds depth to the dish. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and is a common ingredient in fall-inspired recipes.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is used to enhance the overall flavor of candy yams. It adds a sweet and warm note to the dish.

Salt

Salt is a key ingredient that helps to balance out the sweetness of the dish. It also brings out the natural flavors of the yams.

Orange juice

Orange juice is used to create the syrup that the yams are cooked in. It adds a citrusy note to the dish, which helps to balance out the sweetness.

Orange zest

Orange zest is the outermost layer of an orange peel. It adds a bright and fresh note to the dish and complements the citrusy flavor of the orange juice.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a popular topping on candy yams. They add a fun and playful element to the dish while also contributing to the overall sweetness. You can choose to use mini marshmallows or larger ones depending on your preference.

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The second section of our article about how to make candy yams will guide you through the steps involved in preparing this delicious and flavorful dish. As you embark on this journey, here are ten subheadings to help you navigate the preparation process:

1. Choosing the Right Yams

The first step in making great candy yams is choosing the right yams. You can use either sweet potatoes or yams (depending on your location), but yams are traditionally used for this dish. You want to choose yams that are firm and have smooth skin. Make sure you pick yams that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

2. Cleaning and Peeling the Yams

Before cooking the yams, you need to clean and peel them. You can use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the skin. Wash them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Slicing the Yams

After peeling, slice the yams into rounds or cubes. The size is dependent on your preference, but larger chunks will take longer to cook. Keep in mind that the thickness of the slices will also play a role in the cooking time.

4. Preparing the Sauce

The sauce for candy yams is a mix of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Melt the butter over low heat and then add the other ingredients, stirring until they are well combined. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can adjust the sugar to your liking.

5. Combining the Yams and Sauce

Add the sliced yams to the sauce and stir to coat. Make sure that each piece of yam is coated with the sauce for maximum flavor. You can also add marshmallows to this mixture if you like an extra sweet taste.

6. Baking the Yams

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the yam mixture to a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the yams are tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. Checking for Doneness

The best way to check for doneness is to insert a fork into the yams. If the fork goes through easily, then your candy yams are ready. If not, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

8. Letting the Yams Cool

Remove the foil from the baking dish and let the yams cool for a few minutes. The sauce should thicken as it cools, giving you a syrupy consistency that’s perfect for candy yams.

9. Serving and Enjoying Candy Yams

Serve your candy yams hot and enjoy the rich and delicious flavor. Candy yams are perfect for holiday meals, but they are also great during any time of the year.

10. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave to enjoy them again.

Making candy yams is simple and easy if you follow these steps. With these ten subheadings and tips, you can make the perfect candy yams that your family and friends will love. So, roll up your sleeves, get to the kitchen, and start making this delicious dish today!

Ingredients for making Candy Yams

Candy Yams is a sweet and delicious dish that is great for special occasions and holidays. The following are the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish:

Instructions for making Candy Yams

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, follow these steps to make delicious Candy Yams:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract to the saucepan and stir the mixture.

Step 4: Boil the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Yams

Peel and slice the yams into small pieces. Place them in a bowl.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the yams and stir well. Make sure all the yams are coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Bake in Oven

Transfer the yams to a baking dish and bake them in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check them periodically and stir occasionally.

Step 8: Add Marshmallows (Optional)

If you want to add marshmallows, remove the baking dish from the oven and add a layer of marshmallows over the yams. Put the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Tips for making Candy Yams

– Make sure the yams are sliced evenly so that they cook uniformly.
– Use unsalted butter to avoid adding extra salt to the dish.
– If you’re using marshmallows, make sure not to burn them. Keep an eye on the dish for the last few minutes of baking.
– Allow the Candy Yams to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.

Conclusion

Making Candy Yams is easy and fun! With the right ingredients and following the steps above, you’ll have a sweet and delicious dish in no time. Whether it’s for a holiday or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family.

Time to Dig In!

Congratulations! You now know the secret to making delicious candy yams that will make your taste buds dance. Don’t forget to whip up a batch for your friends and family as well and watch as their eyes light up in sheer joy. As you savor the sweet and scrumptious flavors of your creation, remember to thank the humble yam for giving us such an incredible treat. Thank you for reading this article and we hope you try out more of our amazing recipes. Keep coming back for more!