If you haven't started planning your Thanksgiving menu you better get started. Lucky for you, all the cooking mags are packed with holiday recipes and I'm sure you can dig up some family favorites that have been passed down for generations. Thanksgiving is not the holiday to procrastinate.

This recipe is a spin on a classic side dish that we are all probably familiar with. If the chili powder turns you off, simply skip it and just leave the pecans plain. Either way you can't go wrong with these flavors.

Sweet Potato Gratin with Chile-Spiced Pecans

1. 5 pounds sweet potatoes
2. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 2 cups pecans (8 ounces)
4. 2 tablespoons sugar
5. 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
6. Kosher salt
7. 1/4 cup honey
8. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
9. 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
10. 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
11. 1/2 cup heavy cream
12. Freshly ground pepper
13. 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Roast the sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the butter. Add the pecans, sugar and chipotle powder and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar starts to caramelize and the pecans are well-coated, 8 minutes. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and let cool.
3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor; discard the skins. Add the honey, cinnamon, allspice and cloves to the processor and puree. Add the cream and puree. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Scrape the potatoes into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; scatter the marshmallows on top. Bake in the top third of the oven for 25 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden. Sprinkle with the pecans and serve.

Make Ahead

The sweet potato puree can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature and top with the marshmallows before baking. The spiced nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.