Sweet Potato Candy...UMMM????

This is one of those “different” finds on the web. After a few reads, I have come to the conclusion, why not?

The recipe is actually a pretty standard confectionary recipe with the addition of sweet potato. It actually makes sense when you think of sweet potato as an ingredient that is high in sugar and sweetness.

I was thinking that this could be a very interesting addition to Thanksgiving this year. I will certainly test this prior to Turkey Day and share my results. Likewise, I would love to get some feedback if you beat me to making this one!

I also think that this could be a fun project to do with the kids. Making candy out of potato - what fun!!!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup sweet potatoes - cooked and mashed
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1/8 tsp salt

Preparation:

1. Put sugar, milk, butter, and salt in a large pot

2. Cook over medium heat to soft-ball stage **

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool until hand can be held comfortably on bottom of pot

4. Add sweet potatoes and beat until mixture loses its gloss

5. Add pecans, mix well, and pour into buttered pan

6. Cut into squares when cool


** Knowing when you are at soft-ball stage

Soft-ball stage refers to a specific temperature range when cooking sugar syrups. Soft-Ball Stage occurs at 235-245 degrees. This stage can be determined by dropping a spoonful of hot syrup into a bowl of very cold water. In the water, use your fingers to gather the cooled syrup into a ball. If it has reached soft-ball stage, the syrup easily forms a ball while in the cold water, but flattens once removed from the water.