Candied Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Course: Side Dish

Servings: People

Calories: 306kcal

Preheat oven to 350°.
Place the yams in a large saucepan or pot and cover with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Just until they start to become tender and can be pierced with a fork. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
The yams can be left as slices, cut into bite-sized chunks, or mashed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer just the yams to a 1-1/2 qt. casserole dish or 8x8 inch baking dish.
Cut the butter into small chunks and scatter over the top of the yams. Sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the top of the yams.
In a small bowl add 1/2 cup brown sugar to the reserved warm cooking water. Stir to dissolve and add the vanilla. Pour over the top of the yams.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, twice opening the oven to spoon sauce over the yams.
Remove from the oven and once again spoon the sauce over the top of the yams. Cover the yams with marshmallows and return to the oven. continue baking until the marshmallows are puffy and browned, about 10 minutes more. Or broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely.

*For a different flavor replace the water with orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, or cider.