Candied Sweet Potatoes

When I was a kid, I hated sweet potatoes. They were too sweet and the melted marshmallows grossed me out. As an adult, I enjoy my sweet potatoes with butter and a dash of salt and pepper. As a standard staple plan sweet potatoes became boring at special events.

A couple of years ago, I decided to try a new recipe for candied sweet potatoes. This recipe is great. It is easy to make and it gives the sweet potatoes a refreshing twist with a tart sweetness that will add to any special event. The vanilla and orange juice cut through the heaviness of the brown sugar for a perfect blend of yummy. Don't substitute vanilla extract for the actual vanilla beans, the vanilla bean provides a stronger flavor needed to balance out the orange juice. Don't be concerned about the bourbon over powering the dish, most of it evaporates and just leaves a hint of a nutty after taste.

Ingredients

• 8 Large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
• 3 Cups light brown sugar
• 1 Cup water
• 1 Cup fresh orange juice
• 2 Vanilla beans, split in half lengthwise
• 2 Teaspoons orange zest
• 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup bourbon
• 1 stick butter, cut into pieces
• Marshmallows, optional. Note: If traditional sweet potatoes are too sweet for your liking, do not add marshmallows to this dish.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large heavy pot, combine the potatoes, sugar, water, orange juice, vanilla beans, orange zest, cinnamon and salt.
3. Bring to a simmer over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Strain the potatoes out of the sauce and pace in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
6. Return the sauce to the pan.
7. Add bourbon to the sauce and continue to cook until syrup is thickened, about 15 minutes.
8. Pour the syrup over the potatoes and pace in oven.
9. Bake until potatoes are browned, about 10-15 minutes.
10. Remove from the heat and add butter, stirring gently into the mixture. If desired, top with a bag of marshmallows, pace back in oven 5 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly browned.
11. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.