Candied Yams

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them evenly into 1/2-inch thick rounds so they cook uniformly. Layer the slices in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water (or orange juice). Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the butter is melted and the sugars have dissolved into a smooth syrup.

3. 3

   Flavor the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this hot, spiced butter syrup evenly over the sliced sweet potatoes in the baking dish.

4. 4

   Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften and release their natural juices.

5. 5

   Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil. Baste the sweet potatoes by spooning the syrup from the bottom of the pan over the top of the slices. Bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Caramelize: The dish is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened and reduced to a sticky, caramelized glaze. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving so the glaze adheres to the yams.