๐ ๐ฌ Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake ๐ ๐ฌ
Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake is a delightful and indulgent side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a luscious blend of ingredients. This dish is often associated with American Southern cuisine and is a popular choice for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
๐ History:
The exact origin of Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake is not well-documented, but it likely has roots in Southern United States cuisine, where sweet potatoes are a staple crop. Sweet potato casseroles, in general, have been enjoyed in the South for generations. Ambrosia, in mythology, referred to the food of the gods, which signifies the divine and heavenly taste of this dish.
๐ฝ๏ธ Components:
The key components of Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake include:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient, known for their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture and add creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor note.
- Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Miniature Marshmallows: Often used as a topping for a gooey, sweet finish.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- 2 eggs, beaten.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Miniature marshmallows for topping.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Boil or steam the sweet potato slices until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add the cooked sweet potato slices to the mixture and gently fold them in to coat evenly.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is set.
- Remove the dish from the oven and top it with a layer of miniature marshmallows.
- Return it to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the marshmallows are lightly browned and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
โฐ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake can vary, but it generally takes around 20-30 minutes for preparation and assembling the ingredients. Baking time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, with an additional few minutes for broiling the marshmallow topping. So, you can expect to spend approximately 50-60 minutes in total.
Enjoy your Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake as a side dish for holiday feasts or any special meal. Its combination of sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors, along with the delightful marshmallow topping, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 50-70mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Vitamin A: 200-250% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of DV
- Calcium: 6-8% of DV
- Iron: 4-6% of DV
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
๐ฅ Health Information:
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Vitamins and Minerals: Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, skin health, and immune function. It also contains some vitamin C, calcium, and iron, although the amounts are moderate.
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Fiber: The dish provides a small amount of dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health and helping maintain a feeling of fullness.
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Calories and Fat: While it’s a delicious treat, Ambrosia Sweet Potato Bake can be calorie-dense due to the added butter, sugar, and marshmallows. Moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Added Sugar: The brown sugar and marshmallows contribute to the sweetness of the dish but also add extra sugars. Be mindful of added sugar in your diet, as excessive sugar consumption can have health implications.
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Protein: It’s relatively low in protein, so consider incorporating other protein sources into your meal for a balanced diet.
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Portion Control: Enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you’re watching your overall calorie and sugar intake. It’s a great side dish for special occasions, but regular consumption in large quantities may not align with a balanced diet.
Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, so it’s a good practice to check the nutrition label of the products you use and adjust your serving size accordingly to meet your dietary needs and goals.