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My southern candied yams recipe comes straight from my grandmother's kitchen. These sweet potatoes cook low and slow in butter brown sugar and warm spices until they practically melt in your mouth. That splash of orange juice concentrate adds brightness making these yams pure comfort food magic.
Pure Southern Comfort
The stovetop method lets me control every step watching that sweet syrup develop while the yams turn tender. My kitchen fills with memories of family gatherings as those warm spices blend with citrus and caramel. Simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
From My Kitchen
- Sweet potatoes picked for their deep orange color
- Dark brown sugar adds rich caramel notes
- White sugar balances everything
- Good butter never margarine
- Fresh ground cinnamon
- Freshly grated nutmeg makes such a difference
- Pure vanilla extract
- Orange juice concentrate my secret ingredient
- Pinch of sea salt
Making Magic
- First Steps
- Peel those sweet potatoes slice them into nice rounds pop in your pot
- Layer the Flavors
- Add sugars butter spices vanilla orange concentrate salt give everything a gentle stir
- Low and Slow
- Bring to bubble then turn down low cover let simmer about 50 minutes stir now and then
- Final Touch
- Uncover turn up heat let that syrup thicken coat every piece about 10 minutes
- Worth the Wait
- Take off heat let rest few minutes before serving
My Cooking Secrets
Pick sweet potatoes about the same size cut them even they'll cook better. Stir gentle keep them whole. Trust me on that orange juice concentrate it changes everything.
Plan Ahead
Make these up to three days early keep covered in the fridge. Heat slow on the stove when ready to serve. The flavors get even better after a day or two.
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Perfect Partners
These yams shine at Thanksgiving next to turkey and all the fixings. Love them with Sunday fried chicken too or alongside smoky collards and creamy mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble up to 3 days ahead. Flavors improve with time.
- → How do I know when they're done?
Fork should pierce easily and yams should be tender when tasted.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
Start with less sugar, taste and add more if needed. Can balance with water or butter.
- → Why cut in 1/2 inch rounds?
Thinner slices may break apart. This size ensures tender but intact yams.
- → What if syrup gets too thick?
Thin with a little water until desired consistency.