Sweet Moroccan Yams

Holiday cooking is full on, and whether you are cooking for a large group or preparing a small family dinner, these yams are a great alternative to the overly sweet, marshmallow-covered yams we so often see in a holiday buffet.  I have served these yams with roasted chicken and Brussels sprouts and paired them with grilled meats and veggies.   They are delicious any time of year.

4-5 red garnet yams
juice from 3 small oranges (about 1/3 cup)
2 tbs maple syrup
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs molasses
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tbs butter

Peel yams and cut into thirds.  Place in a large pot with enough water to cover and boil until tender (about 20 minutes).  Combine orange juice through cinnamon and set aside.  Drain water from yams and place yams back in pot.  Over low heat, add orange juice mixture and butter, and using a hand mixer or potato masher, mash until smooth.

Tags: how to cook vegetables, yams