Yams are one of my favorite foods. Especially when my grandma makes them on Thanksgiving. The vibrant orange color is perfect for the fall holiday and the sweet aroma reminds me of family. To make my grandma's famous yams, you will need:
About 5 yams
1/4-cup brandy (orange brandy if possible)
3/4 cup orange juice
About a stick of butter
2 or 3 mini oranges or cuties
2/3-cup brown sugar
Poke holes in the yams with a fork and bake them at 375 for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes or until soft in the center. Let cool. Peel the yams and place them in a large bowl. Discard the skins. Preheat the oven again to 375. Mash in the butter, orange juice and brandy with the yams until they are a smooth creamy consistency. Place into a baking dish and sprinkle a little more than half of the the brown sugar on the top. Peel the mini oranges and place them in a decorative manor. Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar on top of the oranges. Place the yams in the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
This recipe is almost always eyeballed, so do it to taste. The creamy texture together with the sweet and tangy flavors is the perfect combination. And Yams are great for leftovers! Especially with a turkey sandwich or some baked chicken.
When I’m not at grandmas, but get a “yammy” craving, I grab a yam and bake it like I would in the recipe. Instead of peeling it though, I cut it in half and stick a big slab of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar inside. Then I mush it all up with my fork and dig in! It’s a simple snack that brings me back to family and good times around the thanksgiving table.
