"Ole Fashion Candied Yams"
Sweet, tender candied yams with warm vanilla and nutmeg flavors, perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them.
- Place the sliced sweet potatoes, sugar, vanilla flavoring, nutmeg, and butter into an 8-quart saucepan.
- Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil, cooking for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and let simmer for 2 to 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ole Fashion Candied Yams, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or using brown sugar instead of white for a richer taste. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by one cup. Don't forget to slice the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking. For an additional texture, try incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Ole Fashion Candied Yams are a delightful side dish for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with Virginia Spoon Bread or roasted meats. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger spread with other American recipes. For a complete meal, consider complementing them with a rich gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce for contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, covered, until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or a bit more butter when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Ole Fashion Candied Yams" contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 potatoes for this recipe?
While sweet potatoes are traditional for candied yams, you can experiment with other varieties like butternut squash for a different flavor. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Ole Fashion Candied Yams vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The recipe's sweetness comes from the sugar and sweet potatoes, so it remains deliciously sweet without any animal products.
What can I do if my yams are too hard after cooking?
If your yams are still hard after the initial cooking time, cover the saucepan and simmer them for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help them soften. Ensure that they are cooked until fork-tender for the best texture in your candied yams.
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).