MAPLE GLAZED PECANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Oil a 3-qt. baking dish. Cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 12 minutes. Drain; let sit in colander 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup syrup in a large skillet over medium-high. Add pecans, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until syrup has evaporated and pecans are glazed, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
• Purée potatoes, 1 1/2 cups water, and remaining 3/4 cup syrup, 1 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a food processor until smooth. Transfer potato mixture to prepared baking dish.
• Coarsely chop pecans and sprinkle evenly over potato mixture.
• Bake casserole until top is lightly browned, about 40 minutes. Let sit 15 minutes before serving.
• Casserole can be assembled, without topping, 2 days ahead; cover and chill. Candied pecans can be made 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes, until very tender when pierced with a fork.
• Meanwhile, toast the pecans (optional): Place the pecans in a medium sauté pan. Cook over medium-low heat, tossing often, for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a cutting board, and roughly chop. Sprinkle generously with salt, and set aside. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
• In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, watching carefully and stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula, until brown bits appear and the butter gives off a nutty aroma, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat immediately. Carefully pour the melted butter into a small heatproof bowl, scraping the pan with a spatula to get all of the brown bits. Set aside.
• Drain the cooked potatoes, and add them to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the milk, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper and mix on medium-low speed until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Add the reserved brown butter and mix until just incorporated.
• Transfer the potatoes to a shallow serving bowl, sprinkle with the reserved pecans, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm. (The potatoes may be kept warm, covered, in a low oven for up to 30 minutes. Add the pecans just before serving.)