Granny Nichol'S Holiday Sweet Potatoes
Granny Nichol's Holiday Sweet Potatoes is a festive, comforting dish featuring tender sweet potatoes combined with pineapple, oranges, bananas, and warm spices. Topped with pecans and marshmallows, it offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes (3 or 4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 small orange, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 2 bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pecans ⓘ
- marshmallows ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart saucepan over high heat, bring sweet potatoes and enough water to cover to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool until easy to handle.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch slices.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the sweet potatoes. If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute the margarine with coconut oil or omit it altogether. For a vegan option, use a plant-based butter. Make sure to adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness. This dish pairs excellently with Gloria'S Shaker Salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet potatoes as a delightful side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. For an added crunch, sprinkle extra pecans on top before serving. This dish can also be enjoyed as a dessert-like treat, especially when served alongside Apple Walnut Cinnamon Bread(Makes Three 9-Inch Loaves).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Nichol'S Holiday Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 820 calories, with 10g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes a day ahead. After cooking and slicing them, store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them before serving. This makes it easier to enjoy during busy holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, consider using dried cranberries or chopped dates as a sweet alternative. Both will add a burst of flavor and complement the other ingredients nicely.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like marshmallows, are labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).