Candied Yams

or many, cand1/2 c. dark brown sugar 1/2 c. orange juice 3 tbsp. butter, plus more for pan 1 cinnamon stick 2 tbsp. bourbon (optional) Pinch nutmeg Pinch kosher salt 5 medium yams (about 3 lb.)ied yams are an indispensable part of the holiday meal, along with mashed potatoes. We agree! Our version gets an added kick from bourbon—we think once you try them, you'll never want yams without it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
• 1/2 c. orange juice
• 3 tbsp. butter, plus more for pan
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp. bourbon (optional) 
• Pinch nutmeg
• Pinch kosher salt
• 5 medium yams (about 3 lb.)

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. Butter a medium baking dish. 
2. Step 2In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, orange juice, butter, cinnamon stick, bourbon if using, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. When reduced, remove and discard cinnamon stick.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, prep potatoes: Peel potatoes and slice into 1/2" rounds, then layer in prepared baking dish. Pour thickened syrup over potatoes and cover dish with aluminum foil. 
4. Step 4Bake 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake about 50 minutes to 1 hour more, basting with sauce every 15 minutes. 
5. Step 5Let cool slightly before serving.