Silence of the Yams

From Pepper:

I think S... may have to be out of town on Thanksgiving. So I am going to try to make him a dinner before he leaves. His favorite recipes for potatoes is that yams and marshmallow, oh, It's candied yams. Do you have a recipe for that?

Sweet Potato Mallow - or Yam Mallow

1 pound sweet potatoes or yams ( about 3 medium sized)
1/2 Cup dairy sour cream
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon mace (a spice not the weapon)
3/4 Cup miniature marshmallows or cup-up large marshmallows

Wash and peel and slice up the yams or sweet potatoes The recipe says not to peel them - I do. Put in a small amount of water (1 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt), cover pan, cook until tender (30-35 minutes). Use medium to high heat. Do not let pan go dry. If unskinned at cooking, slip off skins now.

In a small mixer bowl, mix potatoes or yams with rest of ingredients (except marshmallows), beat with a mixer until smooth. Pour into a buttered (or use margarine) 1 quart casserole. Top with marshmallows.

Bake 30 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

My quick and dirty method - Fast Candied Yams

Wash, peel and slice into 1/2 inch thick slices about 3 medium yams or sweet potatoes or a mix Put into a casserole dish.

Add
1/2 Cups brown sugar
3 Tablespoons margarine (dot the top of the casserole)
3 Tablespoons water dash salt

Pop into oven. Cook until potatoes are done - a fork slides in easy. You may baste 1/2 way through. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes.

If you cover the casserole (glass dish), you can bake in the microwave - on high in 5 minutes intervals. Check for doneness after 20 minutes. Continue cooking until done. Turn the dish 1/4 turn each interval. Gently stir so all potatoes/yams are covered before serving. Serve with butter or margarine. Salt to taste.

With Canned Yams - Really Quick and Dirty

Drain Put in dish. Proceed Heat at 350 only until bubbly and yams are heated.

Yams Vs. Sweet Potatoes

Yams are dark orange - a sweeter flavor.

Sweet potatoes are lighter (yellow) and a little more stringy in texture.

Yams are great baked in the oven like a potato (done when a knife stuck in them slides in easily). Serve split open with butter or margarine. Or remove them from their skins after baking and mash them with butter or margarine.

Sweet potatoes may be baked in a pie like squash.