G is for: Grand Marnier {Cranberries & Sweet Potatoes}

Since it's G week, and since TWO of my go-to Thanksgiving recipes call for Grand Marnier liqueur, I'm posting them here for your Turkey Day enjoyment.

If you've never had Grand Marnier, it's fantastic. It's an orange liqueur that's been around since 1880, blending true cognacs and distilled essence of bitter orange. (I used it in my Grand Mimosa back in C week as well.) It's a great flavor addition to cranberries and sweet potatoes. (And don't worry, the alcohol cooks out during the baking process :)).

Unlike the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole I posted this week, I will not be making these ahead of time, so I will update with photos of the finished products after Thanksgiving. [UPDATED with photos]

But rest assured, I've made both of these recipes for the past three Thanksgivings, and every time they are met with rave reviews. So if you're on the lookout for cranberry sauce or sweet potato recipes, then give these a try. They have been tested and perfected, and I post them here with confidence.

First up: the cranberry sauce. This could not be easier, and you can make them up to three days in advance so all you have to do is pull them out of the refrigerator when it's time to eat.

Empty a 12 ounce package of cranberries into a square baker. (Can double this recipe if needed). Sprinkle with sugar, orange zest, Grand Marnier, and a few grates of a fresh cinnamon stick. Cover tightly with foil and place on a baking sheet (in case it spills over). Bake in the oven for about an hour.

Remove from the oven, stir, and allow to cool. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve, at least 3 hours. (Can be made up to three days ahead of time).

Now for the sweet potatoes. This is a recipe I adapted from my mom's sorority friend, Lil Leslie. The original recipe called for rum and A LOT of sugar. I found it to be too sweet, so I have tweaked this recipe over the last couple years and have come up with this combination. It is similar to ones you'll find elsewhere on the internet, but the main difference is I use maple syrup instead of sugar and a little touch of vanilla. I think it's a great compliment to the sweet potatoes with rich fall flavors for your Thanksgiving feast. (However, feel free to add some sugar if you have a sweet tooth :)).

Definitely use fresh sweet potatoes (garnet yams), and cook them with your method of choice. (I prefer to roast them in the oven for about an hour until easily pierced with a fork). Once they've cooled, you can peel them and mash them. Combine with the rest of the ingredients (minus the topping) in a bowl and stir until everything is well incorporated. Spoon into a greased casserole dish. (Do ahead step: can keep in fridge overnight and remove about 30 minutes before baking and sprinkle with topping).

For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, pecans, and butter. Sprinkle over the top of sweet potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

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Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

[printable recipe]

Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and delicious, especially with a touch of Grand Marnier.

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 1/4 cups sugar or sucanat
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1/8 freshly ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place cranberries in a square glass baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar, then orange zest, Grand Marnier, and a few grates of a fresh cinnamon stick. Cover tightly with foil and place on a baking sheet (in case it spills over). Bake in the oven for about an hour.

Remove from the oven, stir, and allow to cool. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve, at least 3 hours.

Make ahead directions: Can be made up to three days ahead of time and store covered in refrigerator.

Prep Time: 00:05
Cook time: 01:00
Tags: cranberries, Thanksgiving, Grand Marnier, orange

Grand Marnier Sweet Potatoes with Candied Pecans

[printable recipe]

These sweet potatoes will become a staple on your holiday table.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (can be roasted or boiled)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (depending on taste)
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
(optional ingredient: add up to 1/2 c. of sugar if you like it sweeter...I leave it out)

For the topping:
1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup roughly chopped pecans
1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine everything except topping ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until everything is well incorporated. (Could use a hand mixer if necessary). Spoon into a greased casserole dish.

For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, pecans and butter. Sprinkle over the top of sweet potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes.

Make-Ahead Directions: Prepare sweet potato mixture and spoon into greased casserole. Cover and chill overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking; add brown sugar topping. Bake casserole as directed above.

Prep Time: 0:20
Cook time: 00:30
Tags: sweet potatoes, Grand Marnier, Thanksgiving, maple syrup, pecans