Twisted Southern Style Candied Yams

It's the perfect time of year to be thinking of a plate with tender yams glazed in a rich bourbon-orange sauce, featuring caramelized pineapple tidbits for an extra touch of tropical sweetness.

My range and style of cooking evolved and expanded the moment I embraced the fact that I don't always have to choose between cultures. I've spent almost 30 years in the US (most of my life) but still feel a deep connection to my Caribbean roots too. Long ago, I gave up the myth that I'd have to choose between the two cultures and chose to fully embraced a more fusion style of cooking; choosing the ingredients from each area that compliments the other. I'm a Caribbean New Yorker living in the South, and I offer you one of my favorite Thankful Thursday recipes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

4 large yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup bourbon or 1tsp flavored essence

1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained

Zest of 1 orange

Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until dissolved. Mix in the bourbon, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

Arrange the yam slices in a 9x13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping. Scatter the pineapple tidbits evenly over the yams.

Carefully pour the bourbon-orange glaze over the yams and pineapple, ensuring they are well coated.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, gently baste the yams with the sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized.

Let the yams cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra orange zest for a vibrant finish.

Chef’ Shauna's Tips

For a deeper flavor, add a splash more bourbon when basting the yams.

Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aromatic profile.

This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as part of your holiday spread.

In the Caribbean, we'd likely add rum to this dish, but since I live in the Bourbon belt this makes the most sense and the flavor is outstanding. I hope you enjoy this warm, sweet, and slightly boozy twist on a Southern classic!