Candied Yams - Jimmy Kates

Jimmy Kates was a well-known soul food restauranteur in New York City when I stumbled across some of his recipes in the early 1980's.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  large sweet potatoes
• 3  tablespoons cinnamon
• 2  teaspoons nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup sweet butter, sliced
• 1  cup sugar (or more or less, to taste)
• 1  quart water

Directions

1. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes in thick or thin rounds, depending on your taste. Put them in 1 layer in a large shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with the spices and vanilla. Dot with the slices of butter, sprinkle with sugar, and pour the water over the slices.
2. Bake uncovered on the middle level of a preheated 350-degree oven for 45-60 minutes until potatoes are done and the liquid is syrupy.