Pecan Topped Glazed Yams

It’s YAMTASTIC!

When it comes time for a classic family meal at my house, one of our favorite ingredients for a side dish happens to be yams.  Typically we just opt for an easy yam and spice mixture that not only tastes delicious, but gives off a wonderful fragrant aroma in the house.  Well, my kids, who are my kitchen helpers, wanted to help me mix things up at the last family gathering, so we came across a new yam recipe.  This recipe was so tasty that it is now a staple in all of our family get togethers, and best of all it is gluten free.  Most of us actually eat this for a dessert because of its flavor, but you can be the judge of that of whether it is dessert worthy or not.  Follow the ingredients and recipe below to create a wonderful side or dessert for your family. direct tv hd

Ingredients:

3 Pounds – Yams, peeled, and in 1/4 inch sections

1/2 Cup – Maple Syrup

6 Tablespoons – butter, divided into 1/2 inch cubes

1/3 Cup – Packed Brown Sugar

1 1/2 Cups – Pecans

Salt

Prepare:

First, you will need to preheat the oven at 400° Fahrenheit.   Next, heat water and a couple tablespoons of salt to boiling in a large pot.  Once the water is at boiling, then add in the yam sections to the water.  You will cook the yams in the pot for about 5 minutes, or until the water begins to boil again.  After the time has elapsed or water has begun to boil again, drain the yams in a colander and rinse them in some cold water. cable internet bundles

Second, you will butter the dish that you have chosen to bake the yams in.  When placing the yam pieces in the baking dish, arrange them so that they overlap each other and fill up the dish.  Use just a pinch of salt to sprinkle onto the yams, and then pour on the maple syrup.  Next you will use 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the yams.  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 22 minutes.  (Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the yams at about the 20 minute mark.  You want the yams to be close to tender.

Third, while you are baking the yams, you will prepare the pecan topper.  Grind 3/4 cup of pecans in a grinder, blender, or food processor until it becomes more meal-like, but still coarse.  Chop the other 3/4 of pecans with a knife.

Fourth, combine the pecans that you ground and the brown sugar in a mixing bowl.  Then add in the remainder of the butter using you hands.  Add in the chopped pecans next.

The fifth and final step is to add the pecan creation to the top of the yams in the baking dish.  You will finish the baking with the dish uncovered for close to 15 minutes, or until the yams are completely tender.

This dish serves between 6 and 8 as a side dish or dessert.  Enjoy!