kitchen Angst!

This is another one of those holiday staples, that I feel are made out of tradition, rather than actual enjoyment! I will admit when I was a young boy I loved the overly-sweet side dish with the roasted marshmallows on top. As I grew up though, and my love for all things high in sugar waned, I found the thought of that gooey, sweet, sticky mess very unappealing. Don’t read into this, that I no longer like the vegetable, Just the traditional side dish! I feel the Yam, or sweet-potato, ( and yes there is a difference ) is sweet enough without all the added sugar.

Yams: are much bigger, and milder in flavor.

Sweet-potatoes: are more the size of a standard potato, and sweeter, as the name implies.

They are both Tubers, and with minor adjustments, can be interchanged in most recipes,  although I really don’t recommend it. Both are readily available at your local supermarket.Insert Fun food fact here:

A note about cooking your sweet-potatoes… during the early stages of the cooking process enzymes break down the starch into its glucose units, so remember one simple rule of thumb, the less starch you have, the less liquid you need! I wouldn’t advise boiling your sweet-potatoes, instead roast, or saute them. This will keep you from having a soupy mess! You can always add more liquid, but it is hard to get out once it’s in. 

Another bit of advice: If you want to make a sweet-potato puree, start by making regular mashed potatoes, only before you add your cream and butter, add your sweet-potato puree, this will give you the starch you need to ensure the body ( or texture ) you want, and it make it easier to control.

So I say… Leave the marshmallows for the campfire, and smores, and serve your sweet-potatoes with less sweet and more savory! I thank you will enjoy them more, I know I do!

Here is a site with all kinds of sweet ideas for you to ponder! I hope you find some you like, I did!

James

P.S. Remember to give thanks for everything in your life. My Uncles mother just passed away on Tuesday,  She had a long and very happy time on this earth, so even though She will be missed, I am thankful that I knew her, and that she has moved on, after such a beautiful life.