Twice Baked Apple & Pecan Filled Sweet Potatoes

Not sure were my mom found this recipe but I know it would not be Thanksgiving dinner with out these served at our table and are my favorite thing on the table because she makes them once a year.. This is the only way ive ever had sweet potatoes besides baked and mashed with some butter and lots of brown sugar

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 halves

Ingredients

• 6  medium sweet potatoes
• 1⁄4 cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1  cup  peeled cored, small dice chopped apple
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped toasted pecans
•  pecan halves

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375.
2. Prick sweet potatoes and bake til tender (35-45min).
3. Cut in 1/2 lengthwise, scooping out the inside leaving a thin shell (set shells aside).
4. In large mixing bowl place insides all but apples and all pecans.
5. Beat at med speed scraping the bowl often until well mixed and no lumps.
6. By hand stir in the apples and chopped pecans.
7. Place shells on baking sheets and fill with mixture placing pecan halves on top.
8. Bake for 10-15 min.