Sweet Potato Gratins - Perfect for Fall and Friends

Last week, Intern Stacy and I traveled to Lawerenceville to present our quarterely wine tasting with the fun folks at Nikos. Leslie always has creative wines to match my menus - and participants learn so much by tasting and comparing the wines with each course. One of the favorites of the evening was a sweet potato gratin. (You'll love it Gewurtraminer!)

Try this recipe with squash, pumpkin or sweet potatoes! I know you are probably thinking to yourself - I've had sweet potato casserole before - and its good but not great. Think again and try this recipe. Not only will you love it, but you will have raving fans asking for more.

Spiced Squash Gratins

2 LBs Butternut Squash

1 TB Olive Oil
2 TB Maple Syrup
2 TB unsalted butter, room temperature
1 TB Orange Juice

1 TB Orange Zest

½ Tsp Cinnamon
½ Tsp Allspice
¼ Tsp Mace

1 Tsp Grated Ginger

Sea Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to Taste

¼ Cup Finely Chopped Toasted Pecans

Step One

Peel and cut the squash and place on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Toss with the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 425F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step Two

Place the squash into the bowl of a standing mixer. bowl. Add the brown sugar, butter, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, mace and ginger and beat until smooth.  Salt and pepper to taste. Place the squash into 6 – 8 ramekins and sprinkle with the pecans. Place them under the broiler until just browned.