Simply Recipes / Simply Recipes

Candied yams have always been something of a mystery to me.

And even on Thanksgiving, its sweetness was befuddling.

Potatoes are starchy and rich with butter and cream, while the cranberry sauce is sweet and intensely tart.

Close-up photo of candies yams in a bowl

Simply Recipes / Simply Recipes

The yams borrow from each and by so doing bind the traditional Thanksgiving plate together.

Sweet potatoes are orange inside (or purple, and yes, sometimes whiteand that can confuse things).

If you’re unsure, ask someone in the produce department for assistance.

Cubes of yams (garnet sweet potatoes) in a saucepan ready to boil in water

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

What Is Candying?

The technique of cooking a foodoften a fruit or vegetablein a sweetened glaze dates back centuries.

Candied yams likewise split the difference between dessert and dinner.

A skillet of simmering candied yams

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Glazed dishes, likecarrotsor onions, are also sweet, but less so.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers, tightly covered, for 3 to 5 days.

Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave.

A skillet with candied yams cooking in a reduced syrup

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

We don’t recommend freezing these candied yams.

Their consistency will be mushy when defrosted.

What to Serve With Candied Yams

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Bring to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drain and set aside.

Add the sweet potatoes and coat well with the sauce.

Boil on high heat until the sauce reduces to a syrup, about 10 minutes.