Praline Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving is without a doubt my favorite holiday.  If I had to choose my last meal, it would most definitely be my Thanksgiving plate and although I always promise myself to do so, I never replicate this menu throughout the year.  But that’s not the only reason why I love Thanksgiving. 

As a two-religion household, we celebrate all of the holidays.  At our Christmas brunch, we include members of our Jewish family to experience the season.  At our Passover Seder, we always share the ceremonial dinner with Christian friends….but Thanksgiving is different.  Thanksgiving belongs to everyone.  We are all Americans, we are all patriotic and most of all we all have reasons to be thankful. 

Only on Thanksgiving can I rationalize having mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn soufflé, green bean casserole and macaroni and cheese as only a few of the many accompaniments to our star, the big beautiful turkey. 

I would like to share with you my recipe for Praline Sweet Potatoes which can be made a day or two ahead and will probably taste better if you do.

Ingredients

§     1/4 cup butter
§     2 tablespoons vegetable oil
§     2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes (2 – 3 large sweet potatoes)
§     2 granny smith apples cut into ½ inch cubes
§     1/4 cup sugar
§     1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
§     1/2 cup pecans, chopped
§     1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
§     1/2 teaspoon salt
§     3 – 4 tablespoons water

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in large skillet over medium heat.  Add 1 tablespoon of oil to keep the butter from burning.

Add sweet potatoes, cover and cook for 5 minutes or until golden.  Mix potatoes and reduce heat, add salt, cover and cook 5 more minutes. Remove potatoes from skillet.  Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet.  Add apples and cook for 10 minutes, mixing occasionally. Return potatoes to skillet. 

Add sugar, pecans and cinnamon, tossing to coat.  Add water stirring to loosen brown particles.  Cook 5 – 10 minutes or until potatoes and apples and glazed and tender.

For a printer friendly copy of this recipe, go to Praline Sweet Potatoes. Enjoy!