Candied Yams with Citrus-Pandan Glaze

Candied Yams
Originally uploaded by annalyn.

Sweet potatoes or yams are quite popular in the Philippines. They are known in local parlance as kamote and can be labelled as "poor man's food" because of their availability. However, there's no reason why you cannot add glamor to this edible tuber which are always in season and sold cheap in Philippine markets. As such, I thought it best to feature this recipe for this month's SHF event, billed Pucker Up With Citrus, by uber-energetic host Alice of My Adventures in the Breadbox.

This native dessert is quite easy to prepare. While the yams take centerstage in the recipe, the citrusy glaze takes the limelight as well. Doubled with the irresistible scent of pandan leaves, it is enough to make you think of sweet memories and special occasions when something good was wafting in the kitchen. Well yes, this was sweet indeed.

Candied Yams
From the recipe of Dorothy MJ Ferreria

1 kilo sweet yellow potatoes or yams

Syrup:

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter
Juice & rind of 1 orange
1/2 cup water
1 pandan leaf, stripped
1/4 cup mango, or pineapple, or orange marmalade
Juice of calamansi lime

Garnish:
red kaong or sago

Procedure:

1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into large chunks.

2. To make the sauce, pour sugar and water in a large saucepan. Place over medium heat and allow to boil until caramelized to a nice golden brown.

Candied Yams cooking
Originally uploaded by annalyn.

3. Working quickly, pour in butter, juice and rind of 1 orange, water, pandan leaf and orange marmalde. Mix well.

4. Add raw potato chunks and continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently until tender. Add calamansi lime after cooking for a stronger citrus flavor. Garnish with red sago and kaong.