Sweet Potatoes with Sugared Pecans

* Potatoes Ingredients:
* 4 medium orange sweet potatoes or yams, cut into 2-inch chunks
* 2 tablespoons Butter
* 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* Pecans Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon Butter
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 2 teaspoons sugar
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions


Directions

1. Combine sweet potatoes and enough water to cover in 4-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat until water comes to a boil (5 to 6 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook until potatoes are tender (30 to 35 minutes). Drain. Cool slightly. Peel potatoes.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Place sweet potatoes and all remaining potato ingredients in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
3. Spoon potato mixture into lightly greased 2-quart casserole. Cover; bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
4. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in small nonstick skillet until sizzling; add pecans and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until pecans are golden (2 to 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle potatoes with pecans and green onions.
6. To Make-Ahead:
7. Prepare sweet potato mixture and pecans as directed. Do not bake the sweet potato mixture; cover and refrigerate. Before meal time, heat oven to 375°F.; bake as directed. Just before serving, sprinkle with pecans and onions.