Holiday Harmony: Cranberry-Infused Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your holiday dining experience with this delectable dish that harmonizes the tartness of fresh cranberries with the earthiness of sweet potatoes. This recipe, inspired by a friend's treasured collection, transforms a traditional cranberry sauce into a versatile side that works perfectly warm, at room temperature, or chilled, enhancing your festive table. The twice-baked sweet potatoes are packed with layers of flavor and texture, making them a standout complement to any main course. Prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance, allowing you to savor every moment of your celebration with ease. Serve them stuffed, drizzled with the delicious cranberry sauce, and garnished with crunchy nuts for an unforgettable meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped onion
1 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Pressed)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (Used for sautéing)
Fresh cranberries
12 ounces (Rinsed and picked over)
Pomegranate juice or cranberry juice
1 cup (As needed)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (As needed)
Medium persimmons or apple
1 (Diced into 1/4-inch cubes)
Medium sweet potatoes
5 (Whole, for baking)
Cranberry sauce
1/2 cup (Reserved from recipe)
Dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (As needed)
Pecan pieces or walnut pieces
1/2 cup (Toasted)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holiday Harmony: Cranberry-Infused Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?
This is a festive side dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberry sauce with earthy sweet potatoes, enhanced by ginger and toasted nuts.
How many sweet potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 medium sweet potatoes.
Can I make these sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance to simplify your holiday meal preparation.
What are the serving temperature options for this dish?
This versatile side dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
What fruit can be added to the cranberry sauce?
You can use either one medium persimmon or one apple, diced into 1/4-inch cubes.
What type of juice is best for the cranberry sauce?
You can use either pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.
At what temperature should the sweet potatoes initially be baked?
The initial bake should be at 325°F (163°C).
How long do the sweet potatoes bake in the first step?
Bake them directly on the oven rack for about one hour or until tender.
Should I pierce the sweet potatoes before baking?
Yes, use a fork to pierce the washed sweet potatoes several times before placing them in the oven.
What ingredients are used for the aromatic base of the sauce?
The sauce starts with 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 pressed garlic cloves sautéed in olive oil.
How long does the cranberry sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 16-17 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What spice is used to flavor the cranberry mixture?
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger is used to add flavor to the sauce.
How much sugar is required for the cranberry sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of nuts should I use for garnishing?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of toasted pecan pieces or walnut pieces.
How much potato flesh should remain in the skins?
Carefully scoop out the flesh leaving about 1/4 inch of potato in the skins for stability.
Is there a substitute for dried cranberries in the filling?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of chopped raisins instead of dried cranberries.
What is the second baking temperature?
The second bake for the stuffed potatoes is at 300°F (149°C).
How long is the final bake for the stuffed potatoes?
Bake them for an additional 25-30 minutes until they are warmed through.
How do I stabilize the potato halves for stuffing?
When cutting the potatoes, keep any naturally flattened side down to ensure they stay stable.
How much butter is added to the sweet potato mash?
Mix in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
When do I add the diced apple or persimmons?
Add the fruit after removing the saucepan from the heat, allowing it to soften in the hot sauce.
How much cranberry sauce goes into the potato filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of the reserved cranberry sauce mixed directly into the mashed potato flesh.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian side dish.
What is the recommended amount of fresh cranberries?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over.
How do I incorporate the nuts?
Add half of the toasted nuts into the potato mash mixture and use the remaining half as a topping.
What is the first step of making the cranberry sauce?
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for stuffing?
Once cooled slightly, cut them lengthwise and scoop out the flesh while keeping the skin intact.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh are recommended, rinsed frozen cranberries can typically be used as a substitute.
What are the primary holiday tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged for Thanksgiving, holiday recipes, and as a side dish.
How much salt is used in the potato mixture?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the sweet potato filling.