Decadent Whisky-Infused Sweet Potato Delight
This delightful recipe marries tradition and culinary creativity, inspired by my father's cherished candied yam recipe combined with a gourmet touch. I favor the rich flavor of darker sweet potatoes, widely referred to as yams, for their robustness and natural sweetness. This dish features the distinctive warmth of McClelland's Highland Scotch Whisky, though feel free to substitute with your favorite bourbon, whisky, or even rum for a unique twist. The aroma wafting through your home as these sumptuous sweet potatoes bake is reminiscent of warm cinnamon rolls or a cozy hot-buttered rum cocktail. The result is a glorious, dessert-like dish with a firm custard-like consistency, capturing hearts (and taste buds) at family gatherings and holiday meals. Prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when it's time to feast; your guests are sure to ask for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
yams or sweet potatoes
3 lbs (peeled and sliced into 1 1/2-inch rounds)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
sugar-free maple syrup or regular maple syrup
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Scotch whisky
1/3 cup (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
2
Peel the yams or sweet potatoes and either steam or boil until they are just tender, but not fully cooked. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing into approximately 1 1/2-inch rounds to fit snugly in a single layer in the baking dish.
3
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the brown sugar, syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the whisky, blending well.
4
Arrange the sliced yams in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the whisky-infused syrup generously over the top. At this stage, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
5
When ready to bake, cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 1/4 hours, basting every 15-20 minutes. The yams will absorb some of the syrup and become beautifully caramelized—note that not all the syrup will completely absorb.
6
Once done, these can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even at room temperature, making them a versatile addition to your holiday spread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Whisky-Infused Sweet Potato Delight?
It is a gourmet side dish that combines traditional candied yams with a whisky-infused syrup and a firm, custard-like consistency.
What type of sweet potatoes are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe favors darker sweet potatoes, often referred to as yams, for their robustness and natural sweetness.
Which specific whisky is mentioned in the recipe?
The recipe features McClelland's Highland Scotch Whisky.
Can I substitute the Scotch whisky with something else?
Yes, you can substitute it with your favorite bourbon, whisky, or even rum.
What does the dish smell like while it is baking?
The aroma is reminiscent of warm cinnamon rolls or a cozy hot-buttered rum cocktail.
What is the final texture of the sweet potatoes?
The result is a dessert-like dish with a firm custard-like consistency.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time, refrigerate, and pop them in the oven when you are ready to feast.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How should the baking dish be prepared?
You should grease a shallow 3-quart baking dish before adding the ingredients.
Do I need to cook the yams before baking them?
Yes, the yams should be peeled and then either steamed or boiled until just tender but not fully cooked.
How thick should the sweet potato rounds be sliced?
They should be sliced into approximately 1 1/2-inch rounds.
What ingredients are used to make the syrup?
The syrup consists of brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and whisky.
How long should the syrup mixture be heated?
Heat the syrup mixture for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and it thickens slightly.
When should the whisky be added to the syrup?
The whisky should be stirred in after the syrup mixture has been removed from the heat.
How should the yams be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange the sliced yams in a single layer so they fit snugly in the dish.
Is it necessary to cover the dish during baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered with aluminum foil while baking.
What is the total baking time for this recipe?
The dish should bake for approximately 1 1/4 hours.
How often should the sweet potatoes be basted?
Baste the yams every 15 to 20 minutes while they are in the oven.
Will the sweet potatoes absorb all of the syrup?
The yams will absorb some syrup and become caramelized, but not all the syrup will completely absorb.
What temperature should the dish be served at?
These can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use sugar-free maple syrup?
Yes, the recipe allows for either sugar-free maple syrup or regular maple syrup.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Is the salt in the recipe mandatory?
No, the kosher salt is listed as an optional ingredient.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes ground cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the recommended amount of whisky?
Use 1/3 cup of Scotch whisky, or adjust to taste.
What occasions is this dish best suited for?
It is a versatile addition to holiday spreads, family gatherings, and Thanksgiving meals.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
It was inspired by the creator's father's cherished candied yam recipe.
Can I use rum instead of whisky?
Yes, rum can be used as a substitute for a unique flavor twist.