Southern Candied Yams

Ingredients

• 2 large Sweet Potatoes (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 3 whole Cloves
• 2 whole Star Anise
• 1 medium cone Piloncillo (or 3/4 cup brown sugar)
• 1 stick stick Butter
• 1/2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Step 1: Make the Syrup ---

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan add water and piloncillo, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Dissolve the piloncillo fully.

3. 3

   Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the whole spices and heat for about 30 seconds. Add the butter melting fully. Increase the heat to medium heat and add the dissolved piloncillo, whiskey, and orange juice. to the butter mixture. Mix well, bring to a simmer, and let cook until the liquid is reduced and thickened.

4. 4

   --- Step 2: Bake the sweet potatoes ---

5. 5

   Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Layer the sweet potato rounds in a baking dish or casserole dish. Add ¾ of the syrup, reserving the rest for later use. Mix the sweet potatoes in the syrup using a large slotted spoon making sure all the sweet potatoes are coated with the syrup.

6. 6

   Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake covered 45 minutes. Remove the foil, add some of the reserve syrup, and bake uncovered another 30 minutes. Remove and let cool.