Cooking Yams

Old-Fashion Recipes for Festive Yams Souffle and Winter Apricot Compote

As we head into Fall, our thoughts turn to entertaining.  It won’t be long until Thanksgiving rolls around and a month after that it is Christmas.  As Americans, our holiday traditions seem to center around good meals with family and friends.  Whether it is up to you to host the festivities or just to take a dish to a friend or relatives house, here are a couple of old-fashion recipes from my vintage recipe collection.  Both are great for holiday entertaining or just good sit-down family meals.  Festive Yam Souffle is a perfect recipe for the busy host/hostess.  Not only is it tasty but it looks very festive with its garnish of miniature marshmallows, pecans, and maraschino cherries.  The best part?  It can be assembled and refrigerated up to 8 hours in advance of baking!  Winter apricot compote is a delicious recipe for warm fruit that is sure to please.

FESTIVE YAM SOUFFLE

3 eggs
2 tbsp light brown sugar (more if using fresh yams)
2 tsp grated orange peel
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 cans (16 oz each) yams or 6 yams, cooked, peeled and mashed
2/3 cup light cream or milk
2/3 cup chopped pecans
6 tbsp butter, melted
miniature marshmallows for garnish
pecan halves for garnish
maraschino cherry halves, drained, for garnish

As early as 8 hours before baking, beat eggs, sugar, orange peel and seasonings in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in yams, cream, pecans, and butter. Chill in baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees, in a 1 1/2-qt casserole dish for 50 minutes. Garnish by alternating marshmallows, pecan halves, and cherry halves around top of casserole.

WINTER APRICOT COMPOTE

If you are a follower of this blog, you know that several of my recipes are from my mother’s collection of “The Workbasket” magazine.  This now defunct little magazine was the pride of many a rural homemaker when I was a child.  This is another recipe from one of the 1970s “The Workbasket” magizine.

2 cans (30 oz each) apricot halves
1 cup apricot nectar
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup dried pitted prunes
1 can (30 oz)pear halves, drained
1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut, optional

Pour 2 cups syrup from apricots into a large skillet. (Use remaining syrup in drinks and desserts.) Add nectar to syrup; boil rapidly until volume is reduced to 1 1/2 cups. Blend cornstarch and water in a large saucepan; stir in curry powder and sugar. Gradually stir in syrup mixture. Simmer mixture, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add prunes and drained apricot and pear halves; simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes or just until heated through. Spoon into attractive chafing dish and serve with coconut, if desired.

Enjoy!

About the Author

Grandma Linda is a collector of vintage recipes. She enjoys sharing these old-time recipes with others who may be searching for them. Visit her blog at http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com for more old-fashion recipes and tips.

Is there a way to cook yams in the microwave?

I don’t know how to use the oven so I prefer the microwave. Do you know any way I can cook a yam in the microwave? Would that kill all the vitamins? Also do they sell them in the grocery store? I don’t know what they look like raw.

Yams are sweet potatoes, so yes you can buy them in the grocery store if they carry produce in the supermarket or produce store.
You bake them in the microwave, the same way you do white potatoes. Wash potato with cold water, poke holes, place on microwave safe dish and cook in microwave for 7-10 minutes. Femme Fatale has the timing right.

If you wish to use the oven, Preheat it to 400 degrees, This means you have to turn it on 10-30 minutes before you put the potatoes in the oven, depending on how well your oven works.
Wash potatoes with cold water, poke each potato with a knife and wrap in foil, if you like crispy skin, do not wrap in foil
Place potatoes on foil covered baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.
or wash and cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with a bit of canola or vegetable oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, place on foil covered baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes.

City honors seniors at annual holiday dinner
Hundreds of Healdsburg’s seniors were recognized Sunday during the 27th annual Senior Appreciation Dinner, held each year at the Villa Chanticleer.

Trout Steaks with Yams Recipe – Cooking Made Simple by Belucci

 

Cooking Yams

Candied Yams: 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions

The candied yams recipe continues to  win more fans. The number of visits recipe sites have been receiving continues to grow.  As the recipes grow I receive more questions from my newsletter readers on this popular side dish. I’ve included the top 5 questions I’ve received this month. The questions have been edited for the sake of clarity and brevity.

1. What’s The Difference Between A Yam and a Sweet Potato?
Most people use them interchangeably.  However,  they both can be used successfully in the same dishes or pies. The main difference is the yam is a bit sweeter than the sweet potato, because it contains more natural sugar.  Other the other hand yams don’t have as much Vitamin A or Vitamin C as a sweet potato. So, the choice is yours.

2. How Can You Pick The Best Yams Or Sweet Potatoes?
Select ones with tight, smooth and unwrinkled skins free of bruises or blemishes.  Make sure you store them in dark, dry, cool conditions to preserve their flavor and texture. Do not refrigerate.

3. What Are The Health Benefits?
They are both low in calories with zero fat. They have large amounts of beta carotene. They also boast over four times the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. You’ll also find them packed with potassium.

4. What’s The Healthiest Ways To Cook Them?
The healthiest ways is by baking, steaming or grilling. A growing number of health enthusiast enjoy them raw. For example, in salads, chopped, sliced, julienne or grated. Many people as use them not only in sweet potato pies but in cakes and even breads or muffins.

5. What’s The Biggest Mistake Most People Make When Cooking  Southern Candied Yams?
Not seasoning them right or not seasoning enough.   Another mistake is overcooking them to the point of mushiness. They should be soft but with a firm texture.

Candied yams continues to grow in popularity among the masses,  not just those who love southern food. But they also go well with all types of food. The comfort food quality they exude continues to win more converts.  With the combination of taste, vitamins and ease of preparation,  the popularity will no doubt continue to win more fans.

About the Author

See The Top 20 Soul Food Recipes Voted by Our Readers This Week Based On Taste and Ease of Preparation, Go to … Free Soul Food Recipes

Cooking Uses for Yams and Sweet Potatoes

 

Cooking Yams

Candied Yams: The Best Tasting Food For Your Brain?

Candied yams or candy yams as many affectionately call them, have grown more popular in recent years. Better growing and storing techniques have helped to fuel the popularity of yams and sweet potatoes. In addition, because of the availability the prices and have remained affordable compared to other forms of produce.

Another benefit is the high amount of vitamins and nutrients these vegetables contain. For example, potassium, fiber, beta carotene, thiamine and others. But what more experts are discovering is the high amounts of vitamins and nutrients that are healthy for the brain.

Yams help to nourish the brain, because of the high amounts of B6, a vitamin that’s essential for the manufacturing of neurotransmitters in the brain. The nervous system depends on these neurotransmitters to communicate messages within the brain. For example, messages that regulate our moods, our ability to relax, think clearer and remember facts.

In fact, all B vitamins help our brain cells talk to each other by helping to produce dopamine and serotonin. Now are you starting to see why more people are calling candied yams the best tasting foods for the brain? And why people should include more yams or sweet potatoes in their diets?

Security Guard For The Brain

This miracle vegetable also contains high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants help guard and protect our brain from free radicals or brain cell damage. Another benefit of eating food that contain antioxidants is they help keep us from accumulating brain rust and helps to rid the brain from rust that’s already formed. Free radicals can cause wear and tear on our brain cells and keeps them from communicating with each other.

That’s why it’s essential to eat foods that fight free radicals. Why? Because when our brain cells stop communicating efficiently with each other it causes things like memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s, according to a recent University of California study. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in 2002 that found taking high doses of vitamins C and E may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And several studies have found patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia have low levels of vitamins C and E in their systems.

Although vitamin supplements is better than nothing, antioxidants from foods like yams might be even more protective than vitamin supplements, according to the above studies. Why? Because other substances in the foods seem to work together to increase the antioxidant activity, known as the tag team affect.

Healthier Candied Yams Cooking Tips

As candied yams continue to grow more popular, it continues to adapt to healthier cooking methods. Now you can find more health friendly recipes popping up on more websites. In the past, many critics have expressed concern about the high amounts of fat, calories and sugar candied yams recipes are traditionally known for. But thanks to creative cooks and nutritionist joining hands and working their magic, healthier versions have come to light. Many health experts suggest using Agave Nectar, Organic Honey, or Orange Juice instead of processed sugar. Also, instead of using butter try Organic Pressed Coconut Oil.

About the Author

Don’t Stop Reading Now! Discover More Creative Cooking Tips and Health Benefits of Eating Yams. Plus, Get The Top 10 Candied Yam Recipes Voted by our Readers Based On Taste and Ease of Preparation …Go To Candied Yams Recipes Discover the Power Behind Candied Yams

Make Candied Yams by Cooking.com

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Front Porch Pets 10205 Sams Yams Bichon Fries 5 oz. $20.61 Made only of sweet potato these dog chews are cut like French fries and then goes through a unique natural cooking process to lock in the nutrients. Perfect for smaller breeds as a chew or a treat for larger dogs. It can also be used as a training treat. Ridges help clean your dog s teeth and gums.

On Cooking: $92.96 On Cooking

Cooking $26.39 Cooking

Sam's Yams, 5 oz. $5.4 Sam's Yams are made from orange fleshed, sweet potato (though sometimes you may find them labeled as "yams" at the grocery store.) These chews are highly nutritious and excellent for your dog's teeth and health. Sweet potato is very high in anti-oxidants. Nothing artificial, no sweeteners, colors, or processed food items. Sam's Yams are made only of human food quality, fresh sweet potato and nothing more. The trick is in the drying process, where the sweet potato is transformed into a chew that has characteristics similar to rawhide or jerky. Basically, a vegetable rawhide-like chew. Best of all, dogs love them! Smaller breeds will chew these for fifteen to twenty five minutes. Medium to larger sized dogs will chew them faster, of course. Will not stain carpets. Brand: Front Porch Pets. Ingredients: Sweet Potato. Analysis: Min. Protein 5%, Min. Fat 0%, Max Fiber 2%, Max. Moisture 35%

Sam's Yams, 1lb. $12.9 Sam's Yams are made from orange fleshed, sweet potato (though sometimes you may find them labeled as "yams" at the grocery store.) These chews are highly nutritious and excellent for your dog's teeth and health. Sweet potato is very high in anti-oxidants. Nothing artificial, no sweeteners, colors, or processed food items. Sam's Yams are made only of human food quality, fresh sweet potato and nothing more. The trick is in the drying process, where the sweet potato is transformed into a chew that has characteristics similar to rawhide or jerky. Basically, a vegetable rawhide-like chew. Best of all, dogs love them! Smaller breeds will chew these for fifteen to twenty five minutes. Medium to larger sized dogs will chew them faster, of course. Will not stain carpets. They are sold by weight but the 1 pound package will have around 30 chews. Brand: Front Porch Pets. Ingredients: Sweet Potato. Analysis: Min. Protein 5%, Min. Fat 0%, Max Fiber 2%, Max. Moisture 35%

Sam's Yams Green & Clean Cookies (6 oz) $9.5 Sam's Yams Green & Clean Cookies (6 oz) have the primary ingredients that make an excellent choice for canines suffering from food allergies. A blend of greens such as parsley, alfalfa + mint, all sources of chlorophyll for fresher breath, as well as pumpkin seed + papaya (which aid in digestion), are packed into each tasty, healthy chew. Each 6 oz. bag contains 30 chews.

Lily Brand Yams Sweet Potatoes 24x36 Giclee $72.56 Series: Fruits VegetablesArtist: UnknownPeriod: Source country: USASource Year: Kiln Dried Yams / Sweet potatoes. Fruit and vegetable crates were stacked for transport all over the United States and to identify one brand from another the growers and pickers developed fancy labels for the sides of the boxes.24 inch by 36 inch Giclee print on standard paper.All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results.This item is custom made per order.

Sam's Yams Bichon Fries (5 oz) $7.5 Sam's Yams Bichon Fries (5 oz) are made from orange fleshed sweet potatoes and are a healthy alternative to commercial dog chews. These sweet potato french fry chews are highly nutritious, rich in antioxidants, and are excellent for your dog's teeth and health. Front Porch Pets adds nothing artificial, no sweeteners, colors, or processed foods. Only human food quality, fresh sweet potatoes and nothing more. A vegetable-rawhide like chew that's perfect for smaller breeds as a rawhide alternative. Makes an ideal training treat. Made in USA.

Buyenlarge 128763P2030 Vitamin Brand Yams 20x30 poster $31.73 Series: Fruits Vegetables. Artist: Unknown. Period:. Source country: USA. Source Year:. Yams aka Sweet Potatoes are pomoted as very healthy on this crate label. Vegetable and Fruit crate labels were produced between the 1890#39;s and 1950#39;s to highlight one brand over another and increase sales in a market with fierce competition. Printed cardboard boxes made this art form obsolete. 20inch by 30 inch poster print on standard paper. All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results. This item takes 59 businessdays to ship

Vitamin Brand Yams 12x18 Giclee On Canvas $77.63 Series: Fruits VegetablesArtist: UnknownPeriod: Source country: USASource Year: Yams aka Sweet Potatoes are pomoted as very healthy on this crate label. Vegetable and Fruit crate labels were produced between the 1890\ s and 1950\ s to highlight one brand over another and increase sales in a market with fierce competition. Printed cardboard boxes made this art form obsolete.12 inch by 18 inch Giclee print on Canvas.All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results.This item is custom made per order.