Planting Sweet Potatoes We are nearing the end of May, the perfect time to plant sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) are a root vegetable that's native to Central and South America. They thrive in the heat and humidity because they are tropical plants. In actuality, sweet potatoes are not part of the potato family. They are part of the morning glory. The part of a sweet potato plant that we harvest is a tuberous root. There are several different varieties of sweet potatoes that you can grow, but today I will be planting Centennial sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes don’t start from a seed like the majority of other vegetables do. Instead, they grow from what are referred to as “slips." Slips are the green shoots that sprout from the tops of a sweet potato. Planting your sweet potatoes to grow slips You can place a sweet potato in a glass or jar of water or lay it directly in a container of dirt (as I am doing here today). I prefer starting my sweet potatoes directly i...
Sweet Simplicity: How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Nothing says comfort like a warm, sweet dish of candied yams on the holiday table or as a cozy side. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a deliciously decadent dish that everyone will love. Let’s walk through how to craft this classic treat that’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Ingredients You’ll Need Yams (or sweet potatoes) Brown sugar Marshmallows or marshmallow cream Optional: butter, cinnamon, or vanilla for extra flavor Step-by-Step Preparation Cook and Mash the Yams Start by peeling the yams and boiling them until tender. Once cooked, mash the yams until smooth and creamy—think of a consistency similar to mashed potatoes. This forms the base of your candied yams. Sweeten the Yams Stir in a generous amount of brown sugar to add richness and depth of flavor. For an extra layer of warmth, consider incorporating a dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla ex...