Southern Yam Dessert Squares

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Try the sweet, spicy and nutty taste of the south for your next Halloween bash or Thanksgiving dinner. If you don't have all the spices you can replace the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Yields: 12-15 squares

ingredients

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sweet potatoes (cooked and peeled from about 1 1/2 lb, fresh sweet potatoes or yams) or 2 cups yams, mashed (cooked and peeled from about 1 1/2 lb, fresh sweet potatoes or yams)
• 1 (300 ml) can eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup nuts, chopped

directions

1. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add dry ingredients. Mix until crumbly.
2. Reserve 1 cup crumb mix, press remainder firmly on bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 20 minutes.
3. In another bowl, beat remaining ingredients (except nuts) together at medium speed. Pour over prepared crust.
4. Combine nuts with reserved crumb mixture; crumble evenly over top.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and center is somewhat firm, Cool in pan, then chill (squares will form up after chilling,).
6. Serve warm or chilled. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.