Citrus-Infused Praline-Glazed Yams
This exquisite dish combines the natural sweetness of yams with the zesty brightness of orange and the rich depth of brandy for an elegant twist on a holiday classic. Originating from Aunt Phyllis' Thanksgiving table, these yams bring a delightful sophistication to any festive gathering. Topped with a crunchy praline of pecans and brown sugar, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, elevating your yam dish far beyond the traditional marshmallow variety. A lovely addition to any holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these Citrus-Infused Praline-Glazed Yams are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished recipe in your own collection.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yams
3 (2 7/8 lb) cans or 4 lbs (drained or cooked, peeled and sliced)
Orange juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Orange rind
1 tablespoon (grated)
Brandy
5 tablespoons (optional, but enhances flavor)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for warmth and depth of flavor)
Butter
8 tablespoons (4 for the mixture, 4 for the praline topping, melted)
Light brown sugar
2/3 cup (packed, divided)
Egg yolks
3 (richness and binding)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped for crunch)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for aromatic flavor)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to thoroughly beat the drained yams until they achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
3
Carefully mix in the orange juice, grated orange rind, brandy, salt, ground ginger, melted butter, and egg yolks, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Butter a 12-inch baking dish or a shallow 7 x 11-inch baking dish. Pour the yam mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the surface with a spatula.
5
In a separate small bowl, prepare the praline topping by combining the 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
6
Sprinkle the praline topping evenly over the yam mixture, ensuring that it covers the surface generously.
7
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and allow it to set.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
50g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
17g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Infused Praline-Glazed Yams?
This dish is an elegant twist on a holiday classic, combining yams with orange juice, brandy, and a crunchy pecan praline topping.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the yams need to bake?
The dish should be baked for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Can I use fresh yams for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 4 lbs of cooked, peeled, and sliced yams instead of the canned version.
Is the brandy required?
The 5 tablespoons of brandy are optional, but they are recommended to enhance the depth of flavor.
What makes these yams citrus-infused?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and 1 tablespoon of grated orange rind.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the yams?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to thoroughly beat the yams before adding other ingredients.
What is in the praline topping?
The topping consists of 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, chopped pecans, and ground ginger.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires 8 tablespoons of butter: 4 for the yam mixture and 4 for the praline topping.
What size baking dish should I use?
You can use a 12-inch baking dish or a shallow 7 x 11-inch baking dish.
How many egg yolks are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 egg yolks to add richness and help with binding.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to enhance and the texture to set.
What spices provide warmth to this dish?
Ground ginger and ground cinnamon are used to provide aromatic flavor and warmth.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
There are 17g of sugar and 2/3 cup of light brown sugar total in the recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 12g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
How much protein does this dish have?
There are 3g of protein per serving.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originated from Aunt Phyllis' Thanksgiving table.
Can I substitute the pecans?
While pecans provide the traditional praline crunch, you could potentially use walnuts as a substitute.
What kind of brown sugar should I use?
The recipe specifies using packed light brown sugar.
How do I prepare the orange rind?
The orange rind should be grated to provide 1 tablespoon of zest.
Is the orange juice store-bought or fresh?
The recipe recommends 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
When is the best time to serve these yams?
They are a perfect addition to holiday feasts, especially Thanksgiving, or cozy family dinners.
Does the recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
How do I ensure the topping is even?
Spread the yam mixture evenly with a spatula and then sprinkle the praline topping generously over the entire surface.
Are these yams different from marshmallow-topped yams?
Yes, this version replaces marshmallows with a sophisticated orange-brandy flavor and a crunchy pecan praline.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the primary texture of the yam base?
The yam base is beaten until it is light, fluffy, smooth, and creamy.