The culinary procedure involves preparing a dish of roasted sweet potatoes often topped with marshmallows that are then baked or broiled until golden brown. This process usually requires peeling and cubing sweet potatoes, boiling or roasting them until tender, and subsequently combining them with butter, sugar, and spices before adding a layer of marshmallows for the final heating stage. The intention is to achieve a creamy sweet potato base contrasted by the soft, caramelized marshmallow topping.
This specific combination of flavors and textures holds significance within certain cultural contexts, particularly as a side dish during celebratory meals. The inherent sweetness of the potato is complemented by the confectionary nature of the marshmallow, often representing a comforting and indulgent element. Historically, this dish gained popularity as commercially produced marshmallows became widely available, offering a convenient and appealing addition to traditional sweet potato preparations.