Miss Gladys Sweet Potatoes Recipes

PERFECT ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
• Either scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pat dry, or peel them (I generally peel mine). To slice, use a sharp chef's knife to cut them into 1-inch thick rounds. Then, cut up each round to make 1-inch cubes. The "cubes" won't be perfectly even, but that's ok.
• Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil on top. If using, sprinkle the chili pepper or several twists of freshly ground black pepper on top, followed by the salt. Toss until the sweet potatoes are all evenly coated in oil, and arrange them in a single layer.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing halfway, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelizing at the edges. Serve while warm. Leftover sweet potatoes will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or oven if desired.

SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE WITH GINGERSNAP CRUST

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch deep dish pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
• Mix the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, butter and salt together in a medium bowl until well blended. Press the mixture into the pie plate. Bake until set and the crust feels firm, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• To make the cheesecake filling: In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar and salt, mixing at low speed until the mixture is smooth with no lumps, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and eggs.
• Add the filling to the crust, smooth the top, and chill in the freezer until the filling is sturdy and set up, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
• For the sweet potato topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Whisk in the sweet potatoes, half and half, butter, vanilla and eggs until smooth. Pour slowly over the chilled cheesecake filling.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and bake, covering the edges with foil if it browns too quickly, until set along the outside and the center still has a slight jiggle, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating until ready to serve.

CREAMY SWEET POTATO POLENTA

Steps:

• Add the sweet potatoes to a large pot, cover with water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and puree the potatoes in a food processor until smooth.
• Bring the heavy cream and 2 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the polenta and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the polenta is smooth and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir in the sweet potato puree and cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

GALATOIRE'S SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter until combined. Press evenly onto bottom and 1 inch up side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake until set but not brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool.
• Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and brown sugar, beating until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add sweet potatoes, eggs, evaporated milk, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg, beating until well combined. Pour into crust. Bake until edge is set, 45 to 55 minutes.
• Whisk sour cream, sugar and vanilla to combine. Spread over warm cheesecake. Return to oven, and bake until just set, 5 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Remove side of pan, and chill at least 5 hours and preferably overnight.

GRANDMA'S CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Steps:

• Combine butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Mix brown sugar and white sugar together in another bowl.
• Layer potatoes and sugar mixture in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the butter mixture over the top.
• Cover and cook on Low until tender, about 6 hours.
• Remove 1/3 of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and pour into a saucepan; whisk in cornstarch. Bring to a boil and cook until thick, about 5 minutes. Pour over potatoes and serve.