Baked Sweet Potato with Marshmallows: Easy Holiday Dessert

Introduction to Sweet Potato Delights

Sweet potatoes are a staple in many holiday celebrations around the world, and for good reason. They're not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and various antioxidants. In this post, we'll explore an easy recipe for transforming this humble root vegetable into a spectacular holiday dessert: Baked Sweet Potato with Marshmallows.

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why sweet potatoes should be part of your holiday feast:

• Vitamin Rich: Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, essential for eye health and immune function.
• Digestive Aid: They contain a substantial amount of fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Their vibrant color comes from high levels of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.

Preparing Your Ingredients

What You'll Need

• 6 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups of mini marshmallows
• Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Prep Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash & Prick: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, and using a fork, prick them multiple times to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Roast: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, and roast for approximately 45 minutes or until tender when poked with a fork.
4. Cool and Scoop: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin to maintain structure.

⚠️ Note: Be careful when pricking the sweet potatoes as hot steam might escape.

Creating Your Dessert

Mashing and Mixing

1. Mash the sweet potato flesh with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
2. Mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Assembling the Dish

1. Fill each sweet potato skin with the seasoned mash.
2. Top each with marshmallows, creating a little mound over the top.
3. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the marshmallows for an added crunch.

Baking to Perfection

Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed up.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Baked Sweet Potato with Marshmallows hot, allowing the melted marshmallows to create a delightful contrast with the creamy, spiced sweet potato filling. Here are some serving ideas:

• Garnish: Drizzle with a bit of honey or caramel sauce.
• Pairings: Serve with other traditional holiday dishes like roasted turkey, green beans, or cranberry sauce to balance the flavors.

In the end, this recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a festive and heartwarming dish for your holiday table. Sweet potatoes are versatile, and with this recipe, they bring warmth and comfort to your celebrations.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and the filling up to a day in advance. Keep the filling in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, stuff the potatoes and proceed with the baking process, adding marshmallows at the end to ensure they remain fresh.

What can I do if my marshmallows are browning too quickly?

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If your marshmallows are browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil for part of the baking time to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to allow the marshmallows to puff up nicely.

Are there any alternatives to marshmallows?

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If you prefer not to use marshmallows, you can top your sweet potatoes with a streusel topping made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.