Holiday Candied Yams

My Unexpected Thanksgiving Treat: Holiday Candied Yams

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food! I have so many cherished Thanksgiving memories, but one stands out for its unexpected culinary delight. It wasn’t a fancy restaurant or a meticulously planned family gathering; it was a Thanksgiving spent RV camping amidst the breathtaking Sand Dunes. We were riding quads, enjoying the thrill of the open desert, and then, the magic happened. Our camping companions, a wonderful group of people we'd met along our travels, had prepared a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving feast. Amongst the abundance of traditional dishes was a side dish that stole the show: candied yams. These weren’t just any candied yams; these were exceptional. Creamy, sweet, and perfectly spiced, they were a revelation. My husband, a self-proclaimed yam connoisseur, declared them the best he had ever tasted. Intrigued, I immediately asked for the recipe – and here it is, ready to become a part of your own Thanksgiving tradition.

This recipe transcends the typical candied yams you might find. It's a beautiful blend of sweet and savory, with the warmth of cinnamon and the delightful crunch of walnuts perfectly complementing the soft, sweet yams. The addition of pineapple adds a tropical twist, creating a surprising yet harmonious flavor profile. And the marshmallows? Don't even get me started! That final touch of gooey sweetness takes this dish to another level of indulgence. I've made these candied yams countless times since that first unforgettable Thanksgiving. Whether I'm hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal for two, these yams are always a hit. They’re a reminder of that special Thanksgiving in the desert and the amazing people I shared it with, and a delicious way to share the warmth of the holiday season with your loved ones. The preparation itself is relatively simple, but the results are extraordinary. It is a dish that speaks of warmth, togetherness, and the joy of unexpected culinary discoveries. I'm so excited to share this recipe with you because I know it will quickly become a treasured part of your own holiday traditions.

The preparation is straightforward, perfect even for beginner cooks. The key is to ensure the yams are cooked until tender before adding them to the pan with the delectable topping. This topping, a mixture of butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and walnuts, creates a luscious caramelized crust that beautifully complements the sweetness of the yams and pineapple. Then, the magic happens when you add those marshmallows during the final stages of baking. They melt into a gooey, irresistible topping, adding another layer of flavor and texture to an already exceptional dish.

Beyond Thanksgiving: While these candied yams are a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast, they’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round. They make a wonderful side dish for any holiday celebration, a comforting dessert, or even a delightful addition to your brunch menu. The sweetness of the yams, the tangy pineapple, and the crunchy walnuts make these yams a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. So, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Tuesday night, don't hesitate to indulge in these incredible candied yams. They are guaranteed to impress your family and friends, leaving them wanting more.

A little secret: I often make a double batch of these candied yams, especially during the holidays. It's not just because everyone loves them, but because they're fantastic leftovers! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious the next day. So don't be afraid to make a little extra – your taste buds will thank you.

Step-by-step

• Pick 6-8 similar yams in size. I try to pick longer more slender ones.
• Clean and then place in cooking pot with salted water to completely cover.
• Heat to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook for 20-30 minutes until begin to get tender.
• Cover and let rest until water is just warm.
• Drain water, peel away the skin and then cut into 1 1/2" round pieces.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Layer sliced pineapple on bottom of 9x13" pan. Add yams.
• Cream butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add walnuts. This makes a pralines type topping.
• Spread over yams.
• Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Add marshmallows for the last 15-20 minutes.