Starting to get things prepared today, but I ran across this recipe and loved the idea of spicing up the pecans for the Sweet Potato dish! Just wanted to put it here for a reference. I probably will try this at Christmas. Also found a healthier marshmallow recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin with Chile-Spiced Pecans
5 pounds sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups pecans (8 ounces)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
Kosher salt
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups mini marshmallows
1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Roast the sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the butter. Add the pecans, sugar and chipotle powder and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar starts to caramelize and the pecans are well-coated, 8 minutes. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and let cool.
3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor; discard the skins. Add the honey, cinnamon, allspice and cloves to the processor and puree. Add the cream and puree. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Scrape the potatoes into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; scatter the marshmallows on top. Bake in the top third of the oven for 25 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden. Sprinkle with the pecans and serve.
Make Ahead
The sweet potato puree can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature and top with the marshmallows before baking. The spiced nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Healthier Honey Marshmallows-No Corn Syrup
1 1/2 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin (for vegetarian marshmallows, substitute powdered agar)
1/4 c. water
1/3 cup raw sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 1/3 cup honey
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Pinch salt
(Directions on link)
http://www.greendivamom.com/2010/01/...no-corn-syrup/