How to Make Candy Yams from Scratch
Candy yams, also known as sweet potatoes, are a delicious and versatile root vegetable that can be transformed into a variety of sweet treats. One of the most popular ways to make candy yams is by boiling or steaming them and then coating them in a sweet syrup. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making candy yams from scratch.
Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Before we start making candy yams, we need to prepare the sweet potatoes. Here are the steps:
- Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes with no signs of mold or rot.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
Step 2: Cooking the Sweet Potatoes
There are two ways to cook sweet potatoes: boiling or steaming. Here are the steps for each method:
- Boiling Method:
- Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the water to help bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Steaming Method:
- Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water.
- Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam.
- Steam the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Peeling and Dicing the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, we need to peel and dice them. Here are the steps:
- Peeling the Sweet Potatoes:
- Hold the cooked sweet potatoes under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- Gently peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
- Dicing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Cut the sweet potato cubes into smaller pieces, if desired.
Step 4: Making the Sweet Syrup
The sweet syrup is the key to making candy yams. Here are the steps:
- Making the Sweet Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of light corn syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Adding Flavorings:
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sweet syrup.
- Stir to combine.
Step 5: Coating the Sweet Potatoes
Now that we have our sweet syrup, it’s time to coat the sweet potatoes. Here are the steps:
- Coating the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and sweet syrup.
- Toss the sweet potatoes to coat them evenly with the syrup.
- Let the sweet potatoes sit for 10-15 minutes to allow them to absorb the syrup.
Step 6: Making the Candy Yams
The final step is to make the candy yams. Here are the steps:
- Making the Candy Yams:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Adding Toppings:
- Remove the candy yams from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or other toppings of your choice.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best candy yams:
- Using Different Sweeteners: You can use honey, maple syrup, or other sweeteners to make the sweet syrup.
- Adding Flavorings: You can add different flavorings to the sweet syrup, such as nutmeg, ginger, or citrus zest.
- Using Different Toppings: You can use different toppings, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, or candy pieces, to make the candy yams more interesting.
Conclusion
Making candy yams from scratch is a fun and rewarding process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. With these steps and tips, you can create delicious and delicious candy yams that are perfect for snacking, baking, or sharing with friends and family.