Embrace the delectable flavors of the Yam Capital of the United States with Candied Sweet Potatoes, a beloved recipe shared by Essie Nealey from Tabor City, North Carolina. As the town proudly celebrates its yam heritage, this simple and mouthwatering dish has become a cherished accompaniment to baked ham or roasted turkey.
Candied Sweet Potatoes are a delightful blend of tender sweet potatoes, perfectly complemented by a sweet and fragrant glaze. The combination of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and corn syrup creates a luscious coating that adds a touch of indulgence to each mouthful.
Essie’s recipe calls for the gentle boiling of sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven until they become tender and easily pierced with a knife. Once cooled and peeled, the sweet potatoes are cut into wedges and baked to perfection, allowing the glaze to envelop them in a tantalizing sweetness.
Let the enticing aroma of Candied Sweet Potatoes fill your kitchen as you prepare this Southern classic. Whether served during holiday feasts or at family gatherings, this dish is sure to captivate the taste buds and evoke the warmth of North Carolina’s culinary traditions.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- ¼ cup corn syrup
PREPARATIONS:
- Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then gently boil for 30-45 minutes until the sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a sharp knife.
- After cooling, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into wedges. Arrange them in an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Dot with cubed butter, then drizzle with corn syrup.
- Bake the dish uncovered at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze becomes bubbly, basting the sweet potatoes occasionally with the sauce.
YIELD: Makes 8-10 servings
PREP: 40 minutes + cooling BAKE: 15-20 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Allow the sweet potatoes to cool before handling them to avoid burns.
- For a caramelized finish, baste the sweet potatoes with the glaze while baking.
TIPS:
- Experiment with the glaze by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
- Garnish the Candied Sweet Potatoes with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
In conclusion, Candied Sweet Potatoes stand as a delightful representation of the culinary heritage of Tabor City, North Carolina—the Yam Capital of the United States. Essie Nealey’s cherished recipe has become a staple in the town’s culinary celebrations, beautifully complementing baked ham and roasted turkey during festive feasts and cherished gatherings.
The combination of tender sweet potatoes and a sweet, fragrant glaze creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The brown sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and corn syrup blend together to envelop the sweet potato wedges in a luscious coating that brings a touch of indulgence to every bite.
As you prepare this beloved dish, immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of North Carolina and the warmth of its Yam Capital. The gentle boiling of sweet potatoes ensures their tenderness, while the baking process allows the glaze to caramelize and accentuate the sweetness of the dish.
Allow the enticing aroma of Candied Sweet Potatoes to fill your home, inviting loved ones to gather around the table and savor the flavors of tradition and togetherness. This simple yet captivating dish will undoubtedly become a favorite addition to your holiday and special occasion menus.
So, embrace the warmth and simplicity of this cherished recipe, and let Candied Sweet Potatoes become a delightful centerpiece in your culinary repertoire. Share the joy of North Carolina’s culinary traditions with family and friends, creating treasured memories with each delectable serving.
