Vermont Maple Pecan Wood-Fired Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

Sweet, smoky, and nutty — these Vermont Maple Pecan Wood-Fired Sweet Potatoes are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. With deep maple caramelization and crunchy pecans, this recipe is a campfire favorite turned gourmet side dish. Cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill, this recipe is perfect for showcasing how irresistible veggies can be with fire, butter, and a bit of Vermont magic.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup Vermont maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack some firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins, allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.
4. The flat cooktop will heat from the center outward, creating natural temperature zones.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. While the grill is heating, wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
2. Slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Start Grilling

1. Once the griddle is hot and slick with butter, place the sweet potato slices on the flat cooktop closer to the center for a beautiful sear.
2. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
3. Grill for 6-8 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and grill another 6 minutes until fork tender.

Step 4: Add Maple and Pecans

1. Move the sweet potatoes to a slightly cooler zone of the cooktop.
2. Drizzle Vermont maple syrup across the sweet potato slices.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and let them caramelize gently for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add a touch more butter for extra richness if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Carefully move sweet potatoes onto a serving platter using tongs or a grill spatula.
2. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired.

Tips

• Slice sweet potatoes into uniform rounds for consistent cooking.
• Use butter on the griddle instead of oil for flavor depth.
• Caramelizing the maple syrup heat makes the sweet potatoes extra luxurious.
• Grill hotter near the inner ring and cooler on edges — adjust positions for best results.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a sweet-and-heat combo.
2. Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Stir a splash of bourbon into the maple syrup before drizzling for a deeper, richer glaze.
3. Candied Citrus Sweet Potatoes: Add finely grated orange or lemon zest to the butter for a fresh burst of citrus complexity.
4. Apple Pecan Sweet Potatoes: Add thinly sliced apples to cook alongside the sweet potatoes for a fruity twist.
5. Herb Infused Sweet Potatoes: Add chopped fresh sage and thyme while grilling for extra savory background notes.

Best pairings

• Grilled pork chops or seared chicken, finished on the Arteflame flat top.
• A crisp, Vermont apple cider or a glass of oaked Chardonnay.
• Fresh spinach salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries.
• Roasted corn or grilled asparagus with lemon butter.

Conclusion

Vermont Maple Pecan Wood-Fired Sweet Potatoes bring together the best of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors — all cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. No oven, no pans, just real wood fire and the flavor magic it creates. Whether as a holiday side or a summer cookout favorite, this dish will win over vegetarians and meat lovers alike.