Angie's Kitchen: The Heart of Southern Cooking Discovering the Art of Sweet Potatoes

When I married into my husband's family, I was introduced to a world where cooking was second nature and blending flavors with love was an art. One of the first dishes I learned to make was sweet potatoes, or as the old folks say, candied yams. This dish quickly became a staple in our home, filled with rich flavors and family traditions.

My mother-in-law, raised with 18 siblings, learned to cook from a very young age. She and her sisters would take turns preparing meals, creating a tapestry of untraditional methods that spoke volumes to those who tasted their dishes. My husband, having grown up in Kinston, NC, spent his summers working in tobacco fields, playing basketball, washing cars for money, and, of course, enjoying those home-cooked meals.

Coming from a military background, I was not accustomed to large family gatherings or knowing my extended family. As I learned to cook and be a part of this vast family, my eyes were opened to new experiences and flavors. Here’s a typical Southern recipe for candied yams that has been passed down through generations in our family.

I have a picture of the Cousins they bring fun to every situation.

Southern-Style Candied Yams Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (yams)

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

• 1 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Prep the Yams:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick slices.

2. Create the Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, salt, and water.

   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugars are dissolved.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Arrange the sweet potato slices in a baking dish.

   • Pour the hot sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.

4. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce is thickened, basting occasionally with the sauce from the bottom of the dish.

5. Serve:

   • Let the candied yams cool slightly before serving.

   • Enjoy this dish as a comforting side that brings warmth and tradition to your table.

Conclusion:

Cooking these candied yams is more than just preparing a meal; it's about connecting with family traditions and cherishing the flavors passed down through generations. Every bite is a tribute to the love and hard work of those who came before us. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and warmth to your home as it has to mine