# Sweet potatoes WITHOUT marshmallows - recipes, please!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [October 30, 2014, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021 "2014-10-30T16:15:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/21 "2014-10-30T23:12:09Z")

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> [@simster](#):
>
> Sweet potatoes -
> 
> Bake @ 375 until fork tender.
> 
> Peel and Smash
> 
> Cinnamon, Pepper, Butter to taste.

This. I never understood why people add sugar or sweeteners – they’re _sweet_ potatoes to begin with. Hated the cloying taste of candied sweet potatoes for years until one Thanksgiving they just roasted them and served them like baked potatoes. That’s all you need.

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**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/22 "2014-10-30T23:33:45Z")

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Butter, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Same as most of what I eat.

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**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/23 "2014-10-30T23:38:48Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I don’t want to do baked sweet potatoes - I loved 'em, but I know this family, so it’s got to be some sort of casserole.

> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> I can answer without reading the thread.
> 
> Use a fork to vent the sweet potatoes. Slather in butter or margarine. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake in the oven until they’re done. Serve one potato to each person. Split the potato open, chop up the inside a little, add butter, and eat.

Yes, you clearly can answer without reading the thread :).

Glad the pecan streusel works for you! I’m not at all convinced it’s gonna be better than marshmallows for the diabetic, but maybe it is; I’m no dietician.

And **pulykamell** , if you can eat putrid herring in a can, you can eat marshmallows on sweet potatoes. It’s a classic for a reason!

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**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/24 "2014-10-31T01:34:51Z")

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I usually mash them with butter, ginger (fresh grated or diced), cinnamon, orange juice, crushed pineapple, and a good glug of bourbon (or rum). Add some brown sugar or molasses or maple syrup if you don’t think they are sweet enough. Leftovers make great pie!

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**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/25 "2014-10-31T01:46:42Z")

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> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#):
>
> And **pulykamell** , if you can eat putrid herring in a can, you can eat marshmallows on sweet potatoes. It’s a classic for a reason!

No, you guys can keep your marshmallow sweet potatoes and Campbell’s green bean casseroles to yourselves. 🙂 Neither was a tradition among my family and friends, although I did encounter the green bean casserole for the first time a few years ago.

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**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/26 "2014-10-31T01:46:46Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I know this side of the family won’t eat baked sweet potatoes, and I, for at least one, don’t like curry, altho I’d do chunks with some other seasonings. In fact, I might do that for supper tomorrow. I lurves me some sweet potatoes!
> 
> I did find a recipe for mashed sweet potatoes with a streusal-like topping that includes pecans. It’s definitely a pecan-loving family, so I’m thinking that might be a winner. Regardless, I won’t do marshmallows, apart from my personal dislike, because one BIL is a diabetic in denial and I’m not going to contribute to his many and varied health issues. I refuse to do that to his wife. He’ll get quite enough sweet stuff anyway…

The marshmallows are just a topping. Pick any recipe for sweet potato soufflé/casserole that you like and substitute a mixture of chopped cashews, brown sugar and flour for the marshmallows. Sprinkle all over the top.

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**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/27 "2014-10-31T01:55:27Z")

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Yeah, I do the pecan thing. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to a crumbly consistency and sprinkle across the top of a traditional sweet potato casserole before baking. No marshmallows.

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**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/28 "2014-10-31T01:58:52Z")

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> [@Tangent](#):
>
> Yeah, I do the pecan thing. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to a crumbly consistency and sprinkle across the top of a traditional sweet potato casserole before baking. No marshmallows.

One way you can compromise is to top half with marshmellows and half with the nuts. It looks nice in an oval dish, and the marshmallow people are happy.

Got the idea [here](http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Sweet-Potato-Casserole-1000065818).

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**Author:** ![Hey\_Hey\_Paula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hey\_Hey\_Paula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_Hey_Paula)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/29 "2014-10-31T03:15:41Z")

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Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes: [Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (Without Marshmallows!)](http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatoes/r/bl51029d.htm)

Really easy to make ahead and reheat at dinner time. I usually add a dash of nutmeg as well.

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**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/30 "2014-10-31T03:47:03Z")

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If you want to make a statement, use peeps instead of marshmallows. You can use them in jello molds also. I like to drown them in hot chocolate or impale them and immolate them over a campfire with my sweetie. You can then crush them between two fudge stripe cookies and have quick and easy s’mores.

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**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/31 "2014-10-31T05:29:55Z")

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I got this recipe from King’s Inn, in Williamsburg VA. My family insists that I make it for every holiday. I use less milk than this calls for, enough to get the consistency I want.  
Kings Inn Sweet Potatoes

3 lb sweet potatoes or yams  
¾ cup brown sugar  
3T butter  
½ t cinnamon  
½ t nutmeg  
¼ t salt  
1 C milk

Boil, peel and mash potatoes. Reserve 2T sugar; add remaining ingredients. Mix. Place in greased casserole. Sprinkle reserved sugar on top. Bake at 400o.

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**Author:** ![eulalia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eulalia/32/457_2.png) [@eulalia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eulalia)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/32 "2014-10-31T07:51:42Z")

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I dice them and sauté in a little peanut oil then season with garam masala and salt. That probably wouldn’t go well for your more traditional types though.

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**Author:** ![Waterman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b2d939/32.png) [@Waterman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waterman)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/33 "2014-10-31T08:07:13Z")

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Preheat oven to 425F, dice the sweet potatoes into approximately 1/2" cubes, mix with tablespoon of olive oil and tarragon and roast for approximately 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven when the cubes can be easily pierced with a toothpick or fork tine and then serve. I personally do not peel the sweet potatoes.

FWIW, my wife and I actually prefer yams to sweet potatoes.

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**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/34 "2014-10-31T08:11:42Z")

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Sweet Potatoes with Three Kinds of Ginger

4 medium sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into half-inch slices  
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger  
2 teaspoons grated young ginger (if not available, double the amount of fresh ginger)  
1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger  
1 cup heavy cream  
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Cover the bottom of a small baking dish with a layer of sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with a bit of each of the three kinds of ginger. Add another layer of sweet potatoes and more ginger. Continue layering until the sweet potatoes have been used up. Mix the cream and soy sauce together and pour it over the sweet potatoes. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

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**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/35 "2014-10-31T10:39:46Z")

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> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#):
>
> One way you can compromise is to top half with marshmellows and half with the nuts. It looks nice in an oval dish, and the marshmallow people are happy.
> 
> Got the idea [here](http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Sweet-Potato-Casserole-1000065818).

THAT’s where I’ve had it with pecans! My mom has occasionally made a similar half-and-half dish, except she uses diagonal stripes of marshmallows and pecans; it’s striking, and allows choice.

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**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/36 "2014-10-31T11:17:18Z")

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> [@Waterman](#):
>
> Preheat oven to 425F, dice the sweet potatoes into approximately 1/2" cubes, mix with tablespoon of olive oil and tarragon and roast for approximately 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven when the cubes can be easily pierced with a toothpick or fork tine and then serve. I personally do not peel the sweet potatoes.
> 
> FWIW, my wife and I actually prefer yams to sweet potatoes.

Assuming you aren’t talking about yams from Africa, the U.S. yams are a variety of sweet potato.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/37 "2014-10-31T13:36:15Z")

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I should share what my side of the family does, as no one has mentioned it here. Whole sweet potatoes are boiled till they’re soft but firm. They’re then peeled and sliced about 3/4" thick rings. These sweet-potato hockey pucks are then fried in butter till blackened.

Yeah, that’s what my maternal grandmother used to do and that’s what my mom and some of my sibs lurve. Me, not so much. In fact, because of this, I didn’t eat sweet potatoes for many years. At least now, my mother will bake a few for those of us who don’t like blackened sweet potato hockey pucks. 😃

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**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/38 "2014-10-31T13:39:15Z")

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I boil the sweet potatoes, then mash them roughly into a baking dish. I top that with a crust of **pecans fried in butter** and brown sugar with just a touch of ginger and cinammon (seriously, just a touch; not looking for it to taste like pumpkin pie). I then bake the resulting dish at 350 for about a half hour, enough time for some moisture to cook out of the sweet potatoes and for the topping to set a little firmer.

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**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/39 "2014-10-31T15:06:05Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I should share what my side of the family does, as no one has mentioned it here. Whole sweet potatoes are boiled till they’re soft but firm. They’re then peeled and sliced about 3/4" thick rings. These sweet-potato hockey pucks are then fried in butter till blackened.

I think I covered this with “Everyone ruins sweet potatoes.” 😛

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**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\
**Post date:** [October 31, 2014, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweet-potatoes-without-marshmallows-recipes-please/703021/40 "2014-10-31T20:12:08Z")

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I’ve prepared them this way a few times and like them a lot. I think it would work well with a traditional Thanksgiving menu.

For more casseroleyness you could probably adapt a topping from another recipe, or even just use toasted chopped pecans.

[Molasses Whipped Sweet Potatoes](http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/luncheon/recipe/molasses-sweet-potatoes)

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