Hey folks! Welcome to Episode 73; we skipped over 72, just for the time being. Don’t you worry.

Today was a pretty lazy day around the house; after all the poker we have been playing, my Quarter-Stash has grown substantially. If this is indicative of my future financial situation, then I think I am going to be just fine.

The next couple of days is going to be heavy with trip planning; 2025 is going to look a little different than the proceeding years. I have a whole list of exciting places I am wanting to visit; Italy, Scotland, and Switzerland, just to name a couple. I am getting twitter-pated with excitement! Episode 72 will have more detailed information regarding my travel plans; I really want to go to DC for Christmas, and yet I would love to stay home with family. It has been a dream of mine to sing at The Lincoln Memorial, during Christmas. We will just have to see what comes my way. If I can’t do DC for Christmas, I will probably hit up New York, or New Orleans. I could talk for hours about traveling.

Anyway, back to the Yams. Cooked in Maple Extract, and Vanilla. Topped with delicious marshmallows. Take a look!

Flash forward to our cooked Turkey this year. Complete with a savory celery stuffing. TO DIE FOR.

I whipped up a delicious Turkey Gravy, to go along side the stuffing; we still haven’t gotten around to making mash ‘taters yet, but the future is bright.

Currently watching The Beverly Hill Billies, and feeling like one, myself. Baked Beans, and Cranberry Sauce are being contemplated as I write this. The Yams were just the beginning of the feast. We will probably be picking at leftovers for months, granted, If I don’t grow wings and fly off this hill.

Well, that’s all folks, nothin’ else to say.

Love yuh! ❤

Candied Yams with Marshmallows.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium yams (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (about 4 tablespoons), melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (preferably pure)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (or regular-sized, cut in half)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added texture)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Yams:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Peel the yams and cut them into cubes, about 1–2 inches in size. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
2. Cook the Yams:
   • Place the cubed yams in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender.
   • Drain the yams and return them to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, almond extract, maple extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Yams and Sauce:
   • Pour the sauce over the cooked yams and gently stir to coat the yams evenly with the syrupy mixture.
5. Bake the Yams:
   • Transfer the coated yams to a baking dish (a 9×13-inch casserole dish works well).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, until the syrup is bubbling and the yams are slightly caramelized on top.
6. Add Marshmallows:
   • After 25–30 minutes, remove the yams from the oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
7. Optional: Add Nuts:
   • If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them on top of the marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The candied yams are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce before baking.
• If you prefer a more pronounced maple flavor, you can increase the amount of maple extract slightly, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors.