Sweet potatoes are a traditional dish at Thanksgiving but they can be enjoyed all year round. They are native to Central and South America but made their way North into North America being used by the Natives. Today you can find sweet potatoes in the grocery store all year round and can enjoy that sweet flavor any time of the year.
Everyone has seen the candied Sweet potato casserole that is usually brought out every Thanksgiving. It is identifiable by the browned marshmallows on top. This might not be one of the healthiest dishes one can make with sweet potatoes but there are many others that are quite healthy. Most sweet potatoes are going to taste “sweet” because that is the nature of the vegetable. They are particularly good baked like a regular baked potato or made in to fries. They can also be mashed like Idaho potatoes and make a great pumpkin taste a-like pie.
An old fashion recipe is Sweet Potato Pudding that is somewhat like the insides of a pumpkin pie yet tastes subtly different. It is very good and works well as a side dish or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Sweet Potato Pudding
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, grated in a food processor
- 1-1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
Directions:
- In a bowl combine the grated sweet potato with milk.
- Add sugar and mix in well with a wooden spoon.
- In a small bowl beat the eggs well and add to sweet potato mixture.
- Add melted butter and spices and mix well with the wooden spoon.
- Pour into a greased 2 quarter casserole dish and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the top browns.
- You can insert a sharp knife in the center and it should come out relatively clean if the pudding is done.
- This can be served either warm or cold.
Another great recipe that your family should enjoy uses maple syrup and sweet potatoes. These two things go together quite well and makes a sweet side or dessert with whipped cream
Maple Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 6 sweet potatoes
- ½ stick of butter
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup maple syrup
Directions:
- Peel the sweet potatoes and quarter them in a lengthwise fashion then cut them crosswise into thin slices.
- In a large skillet melt the butter and add the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper and stir in.
- Place a lid on the skillet and reduce heat.
- Cook until the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork.
- This will take about 10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent them from sticking.
- Add the syrup and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally and making sure they are evenly glazed. Serve hot.
Why not serve mashed sweet potatoes instead of mashed regular potatoes. They will be a little more sweet because you use maple syrup in them, but they are really delicious and different.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¾ cup milk or more
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
Directions:
- Cover the peeled, cubed potatoes with salted water and bring to a boil.
- Boil for about 20 to 30 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain potatoes and place them in the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Start to beat on low and slowly add the milk.
- Use more or less than ¾ cup in order to achieve a thick mashed potato texture.
- Add butter and maple syrup and beat until smooth.
- Serve warm with a little more butter on top.
Sweet potatoes are really a great alternative to white potatoes and they are good too. Try these recipes for Thanksgiving or for the dinner table to wake up your taste buds and satisfy that sweet tooth.
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