Taste : The Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes

In need of one more side to complete your Thanksgiving feast? Attending a last-minute potluck? Cooks on limited time and funds know they can turn to the sweet potato casserole, a Thanksgiving day favorite that never fails to please.

If you’re whipping up a sweet potato casserole recipe and want to save a few bucks, check out this simple recipe and some tips for cutting the cost of ingredients.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Eight to 10 servings

3½ pounds sweet potatoes (see note*)

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

6 tablespoons whipping cream or half-and-half

Scant ½ teaspoon ground allspice

Scant ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Scant ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups large marshmallows, each cut into quarters

1. Place a sheet of heavy-duty foil on center oven rack and preheat to 425 degrees. Pierce each sweet potato in several places and place in oven. Bake about 1 hour, or until very tender when tested in the centers. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

2. When cool enough to handle, open the potatoes and scrape the flesh into a large bowl. Add 6 tablespoons butter, cream, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, salt, pepper, brown sugar and lemon juice. Mash with a potato masher until semi-smooth. (The dish can be made 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator one hour before baking.)

3. Spray a 2½-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Pile the mashed sweet potatoes into the dish. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven about 20 minutes. Top with marshmallows and continue baking 25 minutes, or until golden on top.