Candied Yams with Homemade Mushrooms
Making these homemade marshmallows requires 10 - 12 hours. For a quicker alternative, use 1 (10oz) bag of store bought marshmallows.
Ingredients
- Marshmallows:
- 1 T grapeseed or vegetable oil
- 1 c Confectioner's sugar for dusting
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (arrowroot)
- 1.5 c granulated sugar
- 1/2 c maple syrup
- 1 t vanilla extract
- Yams:
- 5 lbs medium garnet yams or sweet potatoes
- 1.25 c graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 c toasted walnuts
- 1 T firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 c melted butter
Preparation
Step 1
1. To make marshmallows: Brush a 9" sq pan with oil. Generously dust w/confectioners' sugar, tapping out excess. In the lg bowl of an electric mixer, pour 1/2c water. Sprinkle gelatin on top, let stand until gelatin softens, about 5 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine granulated sugar, syrup, and 3.5T water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Continue boiling, w/o stirring, until syrup reaches 240F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Immediately remove pan from heat.
3. Using the whisk attachment of mixer, beat gelatin mixture @ high speed. Gradually add hot syrup in a thin steady stream. Beat 5 minutes longer, until mixture is white, fluffy, and stiff. Beat in vanilla. Pour marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Using a spatula brushed with oil, spread marshmallow evenly in pan. Let stand uncovered at room temperature 10-12 hours.
4. Dust a lg cutting board w/confectioners' sugar. Brush a knife w/oil, then cut around marshmallow edges to loosen from pan. Cut marshmallow into quarters. Using a spatula brushed with oil, transfer pieces to the cutting board. Cut marshmallow quarters into 1" squares.
5. To make yams: Preheat oven to 400F. Place yams on a baking sheet; roast 50-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let cool completely. Peel yams, cut into 1" squares, and set aside.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350F. In a food processor, combine graham cracker crumbs, walnuts, and brown sugar until nuts are finely ground. Transfer to a bowl, add butter, and toss w/a fork until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press crumbs onto bottom of a 13x9x2" glass dish. Arrange yams on crust. Top evenly with marshmallows. Bake until marshmallows are melted and browned on top.