Updating A Tradition

Everyone has their holiday traditions, I am sure, as do we. Every year for Thanksgiving AND Christmas we usually have the same thing for dinner. Most people probably have turkey on Thanksgiving and Ham on Christmas... but not us! We have both... ON both!! We usually have the whole set up on both holiday's, even if it is just Hubz and I.

We usually have turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing (although we do NOT stuff our turkey with it - I know, I know, then technically it's dressing), hot buttered corn, cranberry sauce (jellied!), rolls, and candied yams.

This year, we've changed up a recipe of ours and boy am I happy!! Usually, every year, we use the can of yams and throw some butter and some marshmellows on top and throw it in the oven... done!

Well this year, we're changing it up!!!

Here's a new recipe that makes a WONDERFUL substitution to the "boring" tradition.

Homemade Candied Yams/Sweet Potatoe Pie

This is NOT an exact recipe.. I don't use measuring cups, unless I am baking, so do it to your taste and don't be afraid to taste it as you go, it's the best way to learn how to cook.

3-4 medium sweet potatoes (yes, the orange ones!!)
1/2 stick of butter (yes, real butter, and unsalted please!!)
1 tsp. salt (I use kosher)
1/2 to 3/4 cups brown sugar (light brown, please!!)

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. Boil over medium high heat until potatoes are fork tender (easy to poke with a fork or knife)
3. Place the sweet potatoes in a mixer safe bowl. Add butter, salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar.
4. Use a blender, stand mixer, emersion blender, or a hand mixer to blend the sweet potatoes and spices to your consistancy.
5. Use a spoon to taste the sweet potatoe mixture. If it needs more brown sugar, add more, if not, don't. Also think about salt too, does it need any of that?
6. Place in an 8x8 baking sheet and top with mini marshmellows.
7. Bake at 350*F until marshmellows are golden brown.

Enjoy!

This recipe made enough for 4 people with not much leftovers so please feel free to adjust it to as many people as you need.

I freaking LOVE this recipe!