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A Sweet Side For Holiday Meals

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo courtesy Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Emi Espinda, regional director of sales and marketing for Ruth’s Chris Steak House, is a lifelong kama’aina and a veteran of the hospitality industry. Emi joined Randy Schoch’s Hawaii team in 2007. When not promoting her favorite steak house and Italian restaurants, Emi enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Speaking of kama’aina, for the past 23 years Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been a favorite of island residents, and is pleased to be giving back to its loyal fans. With the purchase of $100 in gift cards, you’ll receive an additional $20 gift voucher and, for a limited time, spend $500 on your holiday event and receive a $50 dining certificate.

Ruth’s Chris steaks are selected from the top 2 percent of the country’s beef and served sizzling hot on 500 degree plates, so every bite is hot and delicious. This New Orleans-inspired cuisine also features fresh island seafood, an award-winning wine list and a wide variety of appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

For more information, call Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Restaurant Row at 599-3860, and Waikiki Beach Walk at 440-7910.

Ruth’s Chris would like to share its signature Sweet Potato Casserole recipe with MidWeek readers. It’s a guest favorite and the perfect dish for the holidays!

Note: This is a very rich dish, so small helpings are very filling. I have added some of my own substitutions to lower fat and sodium in the recipe.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

For Sweet Potato Mixture:

* 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
* 1 cup sugar (may use 3/4 cup)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (may omit or use just a pinch)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 eggs, well-beaten (may use 1 egg and 2 egg whites)
* 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (may use 1/3 cup)

For Crust Mixture:

* 1 cup brown sugar (may use 3/4 cup)
* 1/2 cup flour
* 1 cup chopped pecans (may use 1/2 or 3/4 cup)
* 1/3 stick butter, melted (may use 1/4 stick)

Combine crust mixture in mixing bowl and set aside. Put sweet potato mixture ingredients in a mixing bowl in the order listed and combine thoroughly. Pour mixture into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.