Satisfy Your Cravings: Yam Souffle

Every year around Thanksgiving I remember getting excited because I just knew my dad would be preparing his famous & delicious yam souffle! Although I have changed the recipe a little, it still brings me back to those moments of my childhood waiting for my favorite part of the year that seemed to always have my taste-buds dancing.

Last year, my then 13-year old son prepared a similar yam souffle that included a vegan, coconut whip-cream on top. I mean really...need I say more? Let's just say the entire bowl came up missing & people were upset it went so fast that they weren't able to try it.

I am certain if you prepare this for any event for loved ones, or just for a regular Saturday afternoon, it won't fail you.

Enjoy!

Carmelle's Eats & Treats: Yam Souffle

* A dessert that will make your heart sing or flutter...literally! ;)

Ingredients:

3 large yams

1/8 cup of cashew pieces

1/8 cup of walnut pieces

1/8 cup of fine coconut shreds

3 Tbsp of raw sugar cane

1 tsp of sea salt

3 Tbsp of organic coconut milk

1/2 tsp of almond extract

2 Tbsp of non-GMO, organic, plant-based butter

Directions:

1) Wash & peel the yams, then cut them into quarters (or smaller if needed)

2) Bring 5-6 cups of spring water to a boil

3) Add the yams & cover

4) Cook yams until tender (test by poking a fork into the center of each piece)

5) When yams are ready, drain water from yams & transfer to your favorite serving bowl (preferably glass or porcelain)

6) Mash yam pieces until it's a consistent creamy texture

7) Add sugar cane, salt & butter & stir until mixed well

8) Add coconut milk & stir

9) Taste to see if more of anything is needed

10) If the taste is perfect for you, sprinkle walnuts, cashews & coconut shreds on top

11) Garnish with anything else you prefer (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc)

I hope this dish makes you & your loved ones as happy as it makes mine. From my family tradition to yours!!!!

HEALTH BENEFITS:

*Yams are a good source of vitamin C, which is vital in fighting infections such as colds, flu, & quick wound healing.

*Yams also help in anti-aging, building strong bones, & healthy immune function; provides good amounts of fiber, potassium, manganese, & metabolic B vitamins.

*Yams are also used to decrease & regulate blood pressure.

*Researchers who are examining health benefits of wild yams have concluded that they provide relief from muscle cramps, rheumatoid arthritis & symptoms of menopause & diabetes prevention.

*Although cashews are one of the lowest-fiber nuts, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants; These include vitamins E, K, & B-6, along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, & selenium, all of which are important for maintaining good bodily function.

*Walnuts contain good fats, such as monounsaturated & polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), but they are also a good source of the essential fatty acid omega-3; They also contain iron, selenium, calcium, zinc, vitamin E & some B vitamins.