(Serves 6)
Ingredients
- 4 large yams, at least 3 inches in diameter (each yam should yield 3 stars, depending on exact size)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place each sweet potato or yam on its side and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Using a 3-inch, star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star shape from each round; discard the scraps. If your star cookie cutter is packed away with the Christmas decorations, place a paper star stencil on top of the round and use a paring knife to cut the shape.
- Place stars in the baking dish
- Pour the orange juice and syrup over the stars.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for approximately 30 more -- or until yams start to become candied, but before the pan juices reduce to the point of burning
Le Secret: Select large, fat, symmetrical sweet potatoes in order to have the most surface from which to cut the stars. If cutting the stars by hand, fear not. Imperfectly shaped stars will be interpreted as a fond reference to "Le Petit Prince," not a lack of artistry.
The Adventure Club: Create your own shapes.
Notes:
- When cooking for large groups, you may choose to serve one star only on each plate. This is perfectly adequate.
- There is no need to peel the potatoes because all of the skin is removed when the star shape is cut.
Hints for Advance Prep: Cut the stars up to one day in advance and keep them refrigerated in water to preserve their freshness and color.
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