Daddy’s Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole

I am not a good cook! (One day I will tell you about the exploding eggs in my kitchen.) But since we have been trapped in the house, I am getting better at it. Because of the stay-at-home order, I now fix daily meals for my two boys, my husband, and my father.

My dad really likes sweet potatoes, so the “delicacies” are always on our table. Usually, I make the dish I’m going to share with you.

This recipe is quick, easy (even for me), and delicious. My dad always compliments me when I cook it, and says they are the best yams he’s ever eaten. (Of course, he might be partial, but since he has never been very excited to eat any of the food I’ve cooked, I figure I may be on to something with this one. :)! )

I started with a recipe that my mom used to make. Mama stayed busy, so we only ate a few meals per year at home; she cooked at Christmas for our extended family and friends and once or twice during the summer when she had free time.

Her holiday “signature” dish was a sweet potato casserole that she called “Senator Russian.” Every time she cooked it, she accidentally burned the marshmallows on top.  It was a family tradition that my cousin’s husband and another friend would tease her about the burnt dish. (My mom didn’t mind; she loved the attention!  Her pretty blue eyes always sparkled as she jokingly fussed back to their insults!) <sweet memory sigh>

Although I couldn’t admit it to my extended family, I really liked her Senator Russian! (It was very good after you made it past the charcoaled marshmallows.)

Mom passed away five years ago. I have made Senator Russian several times since. The recipe tastes really great when you don’t burn the top, but it takes too long to make every day.

As a result, I modified her version. I call my variant “Daddy’s Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole.” It is just as good as Senator Russian, yet is quick and easy, which would make it a great addition to an Easter lunch!

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 28 oz. can of yams

1/2 stick of butter

cinnamon

brown sugar

pecan halves or pieces

marshmallows

1. Drain the yams and put them in a baking dish. Chop them up.

2. Cut the butter and place it on the top of the yams.

 

3.  Sprinkle the cinnamon on top.  (If you like cinnamon, completely cover the yams- if not, sprinkle lightly.)

4. Sprinkle with brown sugar. (I used a lot here, but you don’t have to use as much!)

5.  Place the pecans on top.

6.  Bake at 350 degrees for twenty minutes (or so).

7.  Take out and cover with marshmallows.

8.  Broil the marshmallows until they are slightly brown (not burned)!

 

I know this is a super easy recipe, but it is very good! I hope you enjoy Daddy’s Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole as much as we do!

(BTW- Because of the sugar, this recipe is probably NOT that healthy for you! So, you might want to eat it in moderation!) ;)!

P.S. When I cook this dish, it reminds me of Mama … especially when I burn the marshmallows! :)!

Thanks for reading!

Love ya! :)!

Robin