Sweet potato mallow recipe (plus tips to simplify the holidays)

Well, I can almost smell that Thanksgiving turkey cooking … Soon, I’ll be donning my stretchy pants and enjoying that oh-so-special dinner with my most favorite people in the world.

As we make our last-minute preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you my kick-butt, super-easy sweet potato mallow recipe. Even if you don’t like sweet potatoes, you will probably like this. I get requests for it every year.

You’ll want to double the recipe if you need to feed more than five or six people.

Sweet Potato Mallow

kraftbrands.com

Beat together yams, sour cream, egg yolk and salt in a small mixer bowl on medium speed until smooth. (I use a food processor for this and it works great.) Pour into buttered casserole dish. Top with marshmallows. Cook uncovered in 350-degree oven until marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Yummy!

OK … Now for the tips on how to simplify your holidays.

It seems like, every year, the holidays creep up on me like ill-fitting underpants.

I enjoy celebrating the season, but with everything on my to-do list, it can becoming an overwhelming time for me. This year, I am determined to relax more and focus on the true meaning of Christmas (and to set a good example for our daughter). But in order to do this, I must have a game plan. Here is a good one that I hope to implement:

1. Reduce your to-do list. Ask yourself “what will happen if I don’t get this done?” Then, only do the tasks that absolutely HAVE to be done or the ones that you feel are a top priority. Look for ways to simplify or eliminate the rest.

2. Make room for the new. This is a great time of year to go through closets, shelves and drawers and donate any unused items to your favorite charity. The same goes for holiday decorations. Get rid of things that are broken, falling apart or that you haven’t displayed in years. This not only frees up space in your house for the new amazing gifts from loved ones, but you are also helping a good cause.

3. Take inventory. Know what you have to decorate with this year before shopping for more. It’s no fun when you are standing in the aisle at the store trying to remember if you already had the blue and white snowflake wrapping paper, or was it the red and green polka-dots? This will help to eliminate duplicates, increase efficiency, and decrease the chance of extra clutter.

4. Delegate! If people offer to help, take advantage of it. There is nothing inviting about a flustered host or hostess. If people are offering to bring baked treats to your dinner party, let them. This helps ease your workload and allows you to enjoy the party more.

5. Simplify your entertaining. Avoid using hand-wash-only dishes. Disposable plates or dishwasher-safe plates will give you more time to relax. Empty the dishwasher before guests arrive, so you can quickly reload after the meal. Triple line the trash can. When the bag is full, you can take out the trash and a new bag is already in place. Make sure you have enough plastic ware, plastic wrap or foil to wrap up any leftover food.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! See y’all next week with some Christmas decorating goodness.