Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

This is one of the simplest fall or Thanksgiving side dishes to complement the hearty mains and offset the savory dishes like the ever favorite green bean casserole. The touch of bourbon adds a subtle deep, rich flavor!

Ingredients:

8 sweet potatoes

1/4 cup Bourbon

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Topping:

1/2 cup Brown sugar

8 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons Bourbon 

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups chopped pecans 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

Directions:

Wash sweet potatoes, prick all over with a fork and place onto a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for one hour. Allow to cool enough to handle, peel skins off, discard. To the potatoes, add Bourbon, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, and salt, and mash together. Spread evenly in a 9x13" baking dish.

Topping

In a medium saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, bourbon, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, and pecans heat on medium low until sugar is dissolved. Stir continuously. Once melted, pour topping and spread evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 

Tip: If you choose to omit the Bourbon, replace with half as much vanilla extract for a rich flavor. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and store in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, move to the counter to bring to room temp while oven preheats (if using a glass pan), if using a metal pan, just pop it straight into the heated oven. Add 10-15 minutes to bake time.