-
1
For the pecan candy: Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Lightly spray a nonstick pan with oil or pan spray.
-
2
Whip together the egg whites, molasses and 1 tablespoon water in a stand mixer until soft peaks or fluffy.
-
3
Fold the pecans into the bowl.
-
4
In a smaller bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, coriander, cayenne and cumin.
-
5
Place the pecans on the prepared baking sheet and dust over the spice and sugar mixture.
-
6
Bake in the oven until evenly browned and fragrant, 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 12 minutes.
-
7
Be sure to spread out each individual pecan when removed from the oven and let cool.
-
8
Roughly chop the pecans and store in an airtight container until needed.
-
9
For the potato puree: Place the potatoes, stock, salt and pepper into a medium saucepan with a lid.
-
10
Heat the pot to a boil, return to a simmer, cover and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
-
11
Add the potatoes, but not the liquid, to a food processor and puree until smooth.
-
12
Add the butter, vanilla seeds and cinnamon, if using, to the puree.
-
13
Pulse again until all the ingredients are incorporated and smooth.
-
14
Butter a 9-inch casserole dish that has enough volume to hold the finished puree.
-
15
Place the puree in the buttered casserole.
-
16
(Or hold until ready to place into the casserole.)
-
17
For the marshmallow topping: Combine in a stand mixer the egg whites, 1 cup of the sugar and vanilla extract.
-
18
Beat the mixture using the whip attachment until soft peaks form.
-
19
Simultaneously heat the remaining 1 3/4 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepot until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F on a sugar thermometer.
-
20
Place the gelatin in a mixing bowl and slowly pour in the sugar syrup over the gelatin.
-
21
Begin mixing at half speed until combined.
-
22
Then incorporate the egg mixture and whip until slightly cool to the touch.
-
23
To finish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the marshmallow topping over top of the sweet potatoes in the casserole.
-
24
Top with the pecan candy, place into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
-
25
And then rotate the pan and bake until the meringue is browned and the potatoes are hot throughout, another 8 to 10 minutes.
-
26
Remove and let stand for 5 to 8 minutes and serve.
