Cherry Sweet Potato Bake

photo by Taste of Home

I just recently purchased a new Taste Of Home recipe book and found this recipe. It sounds really yummy and different. I want to make it for the holidays this year, so I haven't tried it yet, but wanted to add it to my blog so I will have it here for easy access.

6 large sweet potatoes(about 4 1/2 pounds)

1 can(20 oz.) pineapple chunks

1 c. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1/2 c. butter,cubed

16 maraschino cherries

ground cinnamon

Place sweet potatoes in a dutch oven or large kettle and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Peel and cut each potato lengthwise into quarters;cut each quarter into two or three wedges. Place in greased 13x9 baking dish.

Drain pineapple,reserving juice. Sprinkle pineapple over potatoes. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice until blended. Add butter. Bring to a boil;cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Pour over potatoes and pineapple. Top with cherries;sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Sweet Potato Casserole

2 lg. cans sweet potatoes,drained and mashed
2 eggs,beaten
1 stick butter,softened
1/3 c.milk
1/4 c.sugar
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t.cinnamon
1 1/2 c.chopped pecans
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 stick butter,melted
1/2 c. flour
3 T. flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Combine the sweet potatoes,eggs,softened butter,milk,sugar,vanilla and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Pour into a buttered 9x13 baking dish. Combine the pecans,brown sugar,melted butter,flour and coconut in a bowl and mix well. Spread over the sweet potato mixure. Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

5 lbs. potatoes

8oz. cream cheese
3/4 c. sour cream
4 T. butter
3/4 c. milk (or more if needed)
1 1/2 t. salt
2 t. chives,chopped
1/8 t. pepper
paprika

Up to 2 days ahead, peel and quarter potatoes. In sauce pan, cover with water and add salt;bring to boiling. Simmer for 25 mins. or until tender. Drain potatoes until smooth. Beat in butter, cream cheese,chives,and pepper. Gradually beat in milk. Add salt to taste. Spoon potatoes into large casserole.Cover and refrigerate. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake potatoes,uncovered for one hour and 15 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with paprika and dot with butter. Makes 12-15 servings.