A delightful twist on classic candied sweet potatoes, perfect for festive occasions.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
Uniform chunks ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Arrange the sweet potato chunks in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the chunks evenly to allow the glaze to coat them properly.
In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble, then let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly.
Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
Use a spoon to ensure all pieces are well coated.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Covering the dish traps steam, helping the potatoes cook evenly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
This step enhances the flavor and gives the dish a beautiful finish.
Serve the glazed sweet potatoes warm and enjoy!
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for a burst of color and flavor.