Introduction to Mexican Camote Candy
Mexican Camote Candy has been around for centuries and is a traditional staple in the Mexican diet. Originally served as a dessert, it is made with boiled sweet potatoes (camotes) and either coconut or other flavored milks, which are then combined with brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a unique and delicious combination that is sure to please any palate.
This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps in making Mexican Camote Candy. From gathering the ingredients to understanding the preparation techniques, this guide will ensure that you make the perfect Mexican Camote Candy every time.
Collect Necessary Ingredients
Making Mexican Camote Candy requires a few simple ingredients. You will need camotes, or sweet potatoes, some form of sugar such as brown sugar or raw sugar, heavy cream, butter, and ground cinnamon. Camotes, which are native to Central America, have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
The camotes can be bought either fresh or canned. Fresh camotes should be peeled, boiled, and mashed before using. If you buy the cans, the camotes are usually already mashed but may contain preservatives.
The sugar is used to sweeten and balance out the flavors of the camote. Brown sugar gives the candy a more caramel-like flavor, while raw sugar gives it a slightly earthier taste. Heavy cream and butter act as binding agents to help the camote mixture turn into a soft dough. Lastly, ground cinnamon adds a hint of warmth and spice to the candy.
Prepping for Mexican Camote Candy
Making Mexican Camote Candy is not a difficult process, but prepping for the recipe is an important step to ensure a successful outcome. Before you begin, gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe and make sure to measure out the correct amounts. Additionally, it’s helpful to have any special equipment such as candy thermometers handy.
To start, peel the yucca or sweet potatoes and cut into small cubes. Once cut, lightly salt and sink in a bowl or pot with cold water to avoid discoloration. Allow the potatoes to soak for two hours before continuing. This will help break down some of the starches and prevent the potatoes from turning mushy once cooked.
After the soaking period, place the potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Heat over medium-high heat until the potatoes are soft (about 15 minutes). Carefully drain the potatoes and allow them to cool before proceeding.
Next, finely chop the pineapple and mango into small cubes, mix to combine and set aside for later use. As for the coconut and sugar, measure out the amounts needed so everything is ready for use.
Making Mexican Camote Candy
Mexican Camote candy is a delicious sweet treat that has been enjoyed in Mexico for generations. The recipe is quite simple, and it has a unique flavor that is sure to delight even the pickiest candy-lovers. To get started on Mexican Camote Candy, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients.
Collect Necessary Ingredients
To make Mexican Camote Candy, you will need:
- 2 cups of peeled and diced camote (also known as sweet potato)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of butter
It is important to make sure that all the ingredients are present and accounted for before you begin, as once the cooking process starts it will be difficult to add them in later. Once everything is ready, you can start prepping the ingredients.
Prepping
Before you can begin making the Mexican Camote Candy, you will need to take some preparatory steps. First, peel and dice the camotes into small cubes. This can be done easily with a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Once the camotes are diced, place them into a bowl and set aside. Next, measure out the ingredients into small bowls or measuring cups, as this will ensure accuracy. Lastly, stir the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a small bowl until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step One
Once you have gathered and prepped all the necessary ingredients, you can begin making Mexican Camote Candy. Begin by melting the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the diced camotes and stir them around for about five minutes, or until they start to soften. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pan and stir everything together until it is well combined. Turn down the heat to low and let the mixture cook for an additional ten minutes until all the ingredients are completely incorporated.
Step Two
After the ingredients have cooked together for ten minutes, turn off the heat and let the Mexican Camote Candy mixture cool down. When cooled, spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish so that it is about one inch thick. Flatten the top of the candy with a spatula, and then cut it into small pieces using a sharp knife. Place the candy pieces onto a greased baking sheet.
Step Three
The third and most important step in making Mexican Camote Candy is to bake it. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then place the baking sheet with the candy pieces inside. Bake the candy for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops start to become golden brown. Make sure to check in regularly to make sure the candy is not burning. Once the candy pieces are finished baking, remove from the oven and let cool.
Step Four
The fourth and final step in making Mexican Camote Candy is to decorate and season the finished product. To give your candy a special kick, sprinkle a generous amount of ground chili powder over the top. You can also top the candy with other ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. Give the toppings a light press with your hand to help them stick, and then transfer the Mexican Camote Candy to a plate.
Finishing Touches
After the Mexican Camote Candy has been decorated and seasoned, it is ready to enjoy. If you want to give your candy a unique twist, try adding a few drops of food coloring to the mixture before baking. This will add a fun pop of color to the finished product. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar to the candy before baking will give it a sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Camote Candy can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be served alongside dishes such as flautas, tacos, or chilaquiles. It pairs especially well with a light soup or salad. For a more robust flavor, try dipping the candy pieces in a mixture of melted dark chocolate
Step Two: Prepare the Ingredients
The second step in making Mexican Camote Candy is to prepare the ingredients. You will need one large camote (sweet potato), one cup of white sugar, one-quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and four tablespoons of butter.
Begin by peeling the camote and cutting it into small cubes. Place the cubes into a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the white sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Use a spoon or whisk to stir the ingredients until they are evenly mixed.
Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add it to the bowl with the camote cubes. Pour the sugar mixture over the camote cubes and butter and mix everything together with a spoon until all the cubes are completely coated.
Your camote cubes are now ready to be cooked!
Step Three: Cooking Mexican Camote Candy
Once the ingredients are prepped and ready to go, it is time to cook Mexican Camote Candy! To begin, place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt before adding the condensed milk. As you wait for the butter to melt, stir constantly so that the condensed milk does not burn.
Once the butter is completely melted, add the diced camote, sugar and vanilla extract into the pan. Give everything a good stir and mix with a wooden spoon before lowering the heat to low. Continue to stir regularly, ensuring that all the ingredients are properly mixed together. You can adjust the sweetness of your candy by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
Keep the mixture in the pan on low heat for an additional 10 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the mixture becomes too thick and dense, add a spoonful of water or more condensed milk to thin it out. Once the desired consistency is reached, it is time to remove the Mexican Camote Candy from the heat.
Transfer the Mexican Camote Candy onto a greased tray and press down to flatten it out. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly and let it cool for at least 30 minutes or until it is completely cooled down. Now you are almost finished. Cut the Mexican Camote Candy into pieces and sprinkle some powdered sugar, nuts or shredded coconut on top. Enjoy!
Step Four: Finishing up Mexican Camote Candy
Once the mixture has thickened and cooked enough, the fourth step in making Mexican Camote Candy will require you to stir the mixture until it has a glossy sheen and is consistent in texture. At this point, you can add any additional flavoring or extract that you may have chosen, such as chocolate, vanilla or cinnamon.
Now, take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool on a stove top for about 15 minutes. Once it is cooled to room temperature, you can add any desired nuts or dried fruit to the mixture. Stir the mixture again until all ingredients are combined and evenly distributed.
The last step before preparation for serving is to roll the cooled mixture into balls that are about an inch and a half in diameter. Place the finished Mexican Camote Candy balls on a baking sheet and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Finishing Touches
Mexican Camote Candy is delicious as it is, but if you want to add a unique twist to it, here are some ideas. First, you can add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Alternatively, you could try adding different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries or mangoes. You can also use dried fruits such as apricot, dates or cranberries. Lastly, you can decorate your candy with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
To give it an extra crunch, you can also sprinkle some dried coconut flakes on top. You can use these tips to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find what works best for you.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Camote Candy is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own. But it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes and sides. Here are some suggested dishes to pair with Mexican Camote Candy:
- Moles: Moles are traditional Mexican sauces made from a blend of various ingredients, and can provide a contrast to the sweetness of the candy. Try a classic mole sauce or a variety of creative variations.
- Ice Cream: Mexican Camote Candy can also be paired with creamy, rich ice cream for a wonderfully decadent dessert. Opt for a flavor that complements the sweetness of the candy, like hazelnut or vanilla.
- Fruits: For a healthier option, try pairing Mexican Camote Candy with fresh fruits. Fruits like apples or berries can provide a tartness to balance the sweetness of the candy.
- Coffee: A cup of hot coffee is the perfect complement to Mexican Camote Candy. The bitterness of the coffee will help to easily cut through the sweetness of the candy.
No matter which dish you choose to pair with Mexican Camote Candy, it’s sure to be an unforgettable dessert experience!
Variations and Advice
Mexican Camote Candy is a sweet and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. To switch up the look and taste of this recipe, adding different toppings or flavorings can be a great way to add extra appeal. Toppings such as crushed nuts, shredded coconut flakes, or cinnamon can give it an extra crunch, while flavoring ingredients like vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cocoa powder are all good options for adding unique flavors. Additionally, if you have any leftover candy, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days. For best results, keep it stored in the refrigerator.
Mexican Camote Candy is a traditional sweet, enjoyed by generations of Mexicans, and it’s getting more popularity around the world. It’s a delicious delight that combines the sweetness of camote (sweet potatoes) with some additional flavorings. Making Mexican Camote Candy involves prepping, mixing, cooking, and finishing off with final touches.
In this guide, you are going to learn the essentials on how to make Mexican Camote Candy. Firstly, you will get an introduction to the history of this traditional recipe. Secondly, you will gain knowledge about the ingredients needed to prepare the candy. Lastly, you will be walked through the exact steps, both for the preparation and the actual cooking of Mexican Camote Candy. Plus, you will get some tips and tricks when it comes to food pairing, variations and advice for storage.
So, let’s dive into the world of Mexican Camote Candy!
References and Credits
This guide to Mexican Camote Candy was created with the help of the Mexican culinary culture expert, Chef Miguel. With his valuable insight, we have been able to create an accurate depiction of how this sweet delicacy is made. Additionally, we would like to thank the creator of the world-renowned camote candy recipe, Estrella Moreno.
We are also grateful for the assistance of several additional experts in the fields of baking and candy making, including Ana Reyes, Tony Montes and Karen Salinas. Each of these individuals provided invaluable advice and helped to ensure that we created a credible and informative guide.
These references and credits are essential for a complete guide to Mexican Camote Candy. Without the knowledge and expertise of the people listed, this guide would not be possible.
FAQs About Making Mexican Camote Candy
- Q: What is Mexican Camote Candy?
A: Mexican Camote Candy is a classic dish found in Mexican cuisine that consists of sweet potatoes, piloncillo, ground cinnamon, and other flavorings. It is traditionally baked in a brick oven and served as a dessert. - Q: What ingredients are needed to make Mexican Camote Candy?
A: The necessary ingredients for making Mexican Camote Candy include sweet potatoes, piloncillo, butter or margarine, ground cinnamon, anise, allspice, and clove. - Q: What are the steps for making Mexican Camote Candy?
A: The steps for making Mexican Camote Candy include preparing the ingredients, cooking the filling, assembling the candy, baking, and decorating. - Q: How long does it take for Mexican Camote Candy to cook?
A: The total cooking time for Mexican Camote Candy ranges from 45 minutes to an hour. - Q: What dishes pair well with Mexican Camote Candy?
A: Mexican Camote Candy is usually served as a dessert, but it could also be paired with dishes such as tamales, tacos, or enchiladas. - Q: Are there variations to Mexican Camote Candy I can try?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings and toppings to create unique variations of Mexican Camote Candy. - Q: How long does Mexican Camote Candy last?
A: Mexican Camote Candy could last up to several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.