Here in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in mid October, almost a whole month before our friends in the United States. If you live in the US, then this week is most likely going to be filled with food, family and grateful hearts.
Because of our earlier Thanksgiving day, I was able to make this mouth watering recipe and perfect it, just in time to share with you and your family and your next big gathering.
This Sweet potato mash with candied walnuts is the perfect side for any Thanksgiving day dinner. It is also the best to eat on its own the day after that big dinner, as you hide from your children and tell them that you swear there were no sweet potato leftovers.
First, take 4 or 5 large sweet potatoes and simply place on a baking sheet in your 400F oven. Roast until you can easily insert a knife into the middle of each potato. This took me approximately one hour. Oven temperatures do vary though.
Second, take them out and let them cool. Remember to be careful, and wait until they are completely cooled to peel them. Their skin will fall off easily once they are cooked, you may just be able to peel them with your hands like I did.
Next, place your peeled sweet potatoes into a baking dish and add the following:
1/3 cup of butter
1/3 cup of milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of salt
Mash or whisk them together with a hand blender or with a manual potato masher. Depending on the consistency that you and your family prefer.
Spread out evenly in your baking dish and turn your oven on again; this time at 350F.
This next step is what MAKES this dish.
Get a microwaveable bowl and add a package of walnuts, then add 1/4 cup of butter, 1/8 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Microwave on high until the ingredients are melted together.
Simply, mix and spoon your candied walnut mixture on to the top of your roasted sweet potato mash and place uncovered in the 350F oven.
I cooked ours for a half an hour and then turned my oven to broil for a few minutes as I watched the top nutty layer turn into a golden candied brown.
Carefully remove from your oven and allow your senses to be overcome with the delicious aroma of sweet, cinnamon and spice.
Your family and friends will love this dish as much as our family did. Im certain of it.
This dish turns out to have a flavorful candied top layer and then the inside is left fluffy and natural tasting.
There wont be many leftovers.
You and yours will be filled with food and gratitude after this addition to your meal. I cant wait for you to try it.
What dishes do you typically serve on Thanksgiving day? I am already planning what I will make on Christmas day and you can be sure this recipe will be accompanying whatever else I come up with. 🙂
