Caramelized Sweet Potato and Pineapple Bites
This delightful confection blends the earthy sweetness of red sweet potatoes with the tropical zest of pineapple. Enhanced by the nutty crunch of almonds, these candies are a nod to the festive flavors of South America, reimagined for modern tastes. Perfect to share at gatherings or enjoy as a comforting sweet treat.
72
Servings
46
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed Pineapple
1 cup (Canned, undrained)
Sweet Potatoes
2 cups (Mashed, red)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Cream of Tartar
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (None)
Boiling Water
2/3 cup (None)
Shelled Almonds
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine crushed pineapple, mashed sweet potatoes, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly to integrate flavors and soften the mixture for 5 minutes.
2
In another pan, dissolve the cream of tartar and brown sugar in boiling water to form a syrup. Once dissolved, gradually mix in the potato-pineapple mixture, stirring to ensure even consistency.
3
Continue to cook over low heat, monitoring the mixture closely. Test for readiness by dropping a small amount into cold water — it should form a soft ball.
4
Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the pot from heat. Beat the mixture vigorously until it becomes smooth and takes on a glossy shine.
5
Fold in the chopped almonds, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6
Using a teaspoon, drop portions of the candy onto a buttered baking sheet or other non-stick surface.
7
Allow candies to cool in the refrigerator until they set and firm up.
Nutrition Information
1.1g
Fat
8.6g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
36.8mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Sweet Potato and Pineapple Bites?
These are festive South American-inspired candies made from red sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, and chopped almonds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 72 individual servings or candy bites.
What type of sweet potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for red sweet potatoes that have been mashed.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
No, the crushed pineapple should be used undrained to provide necessary moisture and flavor.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each candy bite contains approximately 46 calories.
How much fat is in each candy bite?
Each serving contains 1.1 grams of fat.
Is there protein in these sweet potato bites?
Yes, each serving provides about 0.6 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 8.6 grams of carbohydrates per candy bite.
What is the sodium content of this dessert?
Each serving contains approximately 36.8 milligrams of sodium.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar is used in the syrup-making process to help stabilize the sugar and prevent crystallization.
How do I prepare the almonds for the recipe?
The shelled almonds should be chopped before being folded into the mixture.
What heat setting should be used for cooking?
The mixture should be cooked over low heat while stirring constantly.
How long do I cook the pineapple and sweet potato mixture initially?
The initial mixture of pineapple, sweet potato, and salt should be cooked for 5 minutes.
How is the sugar syrup created?
The syrup is made by dissolving cream of tartar and brown sugar in 2/3 cup of boiling water.
How do I know when the candy mixture is ready?
The mixture is ready when a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
What should I do once the mixture reaches the correct consistency?
Remove the pot from the heat and beat the mixture vigorously until it is smooth and glossy.
When are the chopped almonds added?
Fold in the chopped almonds after beating the mixture to a glossy finish, just before portioning.
How do I shape the candies?
Use a teaspoon to drop portions of the candy onto a prepared surface.
What kind of surface should I use for cooling the candies?
Use a buttered baking sheet or another non-stick surface to prevent the candies from sticking.
Where should the candies be cooled?
The candies should be placed in the refrigerator to allow them to set and firm up.
Is brown sugar required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 2 cups of brown sugar for its caramelized flavor.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
Is salt used in this sweet treat?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: crushed pineapple, sweet potatoes, salt, cream of tartar, brown sugar, boiling water, and almonds.
What gives these bites their nutty crunch?
The nutty crunch comes from the inclusion of one cup of chopped shelled almonds.
Are these candies suitable for a festive gathering?
Yes, they are described as perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting sweet treat.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the festive and traditional confection flavors of South America.
How do I ensure the consistency is even?
Gradually mix the potato-pineapple mixture into the syrup and stir constantly during the cooking process.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
The recipe calls for canned crushed pineapple with its juice; if using fresh, you would need to crush it and ensure there is enough liquid.
How much boiling water is used for the syrup?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of boiling water to dissolve the sugar and cream of tartar.