Can you tell the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? The truth is, you probably have never seen a real yam. The sweet potatoes and yams we see in grocery stores are actually both sweet potatoes; different varieties vary in color ranging from yellow to orange. (Incidentally, true yams are much bigger, weighing up to 150 pounds, and they are not sweet; they are a staple food in many African countries.)
 
Sweet potatoes are very nutritious. They contain lots of complex carbohydrates and fiber as well as beta carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, and vitamin B6. The also contain iron and calcium.
 
Baked sweet potatoes are delicious served with butter, salt and pepper, however, it’s nice to have a fancy sweet potato dish during the holidays, especially one that isn’t sickly sweet and isn’t topped with marshmallows!   A few years ago, while visiting my friend Gail at her Atlanta home, I was treated to her mother, Carol’s, fabulous sweet potato casserole; she was gracious enough to give me the recipe, and I’ve been making it ever since.
 
This delicious sweet potato casserole has been streamlined so it is quick and easy to put together. It can be made several days ahead and either refrigerated or frozen.

Shortcut Sweet Potato Bake

12 Servings
 
2 28 oz. cans yams, drained
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup self-rising flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
 
Mash the sweet potatoes in mixing bowl; add sugar, salt, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Pour into a 9 x 13" baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until 1 hour before serving.
 
Mix the topping ingredients just until crumbly; set aside until ready to bake. (topping can be made up to one week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature) Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
 
Amount Per Serving
Calories 374 Calories from Fat 131
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 35% Protein 5% Carb. 60%
 
Nutrient Amount per
Serving
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 94 mg
Sodium 363 mg
Total Carbohydrate 56 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 5 g
 
Vitamin A 198% Vitamin C 24% Calcium 0% Iron 10%