Mary'S Sweet Potatoes
Mary's Sweet Potatoes are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich apricot and brown sugar sauce, topped with crunchy pecans. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, bringing warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, cook and slice sweet potatoes into 1-inch slices.
- Bring brown sugar, apricot nectar, and lemon peel to a boil. Boil gently for 2 minutes.
- Arrange potatoes in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
- Pour sauce over potatoes.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are heated through and sauce is bubbly.
- Turn potatoes occasionally during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon along with the nutmeg. If you're out of apricot nectar, orange juice can be a great substitute. Ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly sliced for consistent cooking. You can also prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking to let the flavors meld. This recipe pairs beautifully with Candied Yams.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a delightful side for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs well with roasted meats, like turkey or ham, and can be complemented by a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside baked squash or other seasonal vegetables. Drizzle with Blueberry Sauce for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 845 calories, with 8g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 23g 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 use other types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties like purple or white sweet potatoes, though they may alter the final color and flavor slightly. Just ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a vegan-friendly version. The apricot nectar is already vegan, making this a great option.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar and add a bit of salt to balance the flavors. Incorporating a bit of apple cider vinegar can also provide a nice tang that offsets the sweetness.
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).