Estate Dinners
Individual Chili Spiced Sweet Potato Gratins
The Strategy:
These individual sweet potato gratins are layered with heavy cream, chili powder, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. The combination of sweet potatoes, rich cream, and a touch of chili spice creates a wonderful balance of sweet and savory heat. Perfectly portioned, they add an elegant and personal touch to your holiday or dinner table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and thinly slice.
- Place a layer of sweet potato slices into 4 individual baking dishes (oval bakers, soufflé dishes, ramekins or custard cups).
- Top the sweet potatoes with heavy cream and a sprinkling of chili powder, salt and pepper. Push down the sweet potatoes after each layer to make sure that the potatoes absorb the cream. Continue layering until all of the slices have been used.
- Top each individual casserole with Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the dishes onto a baking sheet with lip and place into the oven.
- Cook until the potatoes are soft, the cream is absorbed and the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 40 to 45 minutes.
The Heart of the Table
Serving individual baking dishes makes everyone feel special, offering a personal pocket of warm, comforting sweet potatoes. The sweet, spicy aroma of baking sweet potatoes brings a cozy, festive energy to the table, sparking happy smiles and warm conversation.
The Art of the Host
- a seamless, high-heat resistant silicone spatula in a soft slate grey
- a flexible stainless steel slotted turner with a walnut handle
- a 7-quart enameled cast-iron Dutch oven with dual helper handles
- a set of heavy-gauge, satin-finished stainless steel mixing bowls
- a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
- a set of organic, hand-glazed stoneware soup bowls in a soft sage green
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Serve the sweet potato gratins hot directly in their individual ramekins or oval baking dishes. Place each dish on a small salad plate lined with a folded linen napkin to protect the table and add an elegant touch.
- THE POUR: Pair the sweet and spicy flavors of the gratin with a dry, slightly spicy Gewürztraminer or a light Pinot Noir served at 55°F. For a non-alcoholic option, serve a chilled sparkling water with a splash of fresh orange juice.
- THE VIBE: Evening Dining Room. Cozy individual dishes and the warm glow of the room create a festive, intimate atmosphere for dinner.