Yams with Maple Syrup and Butter

° Serves 4

You can use yams or sweet potatoes for this recipe. The sweetness and rich texture of the yams makes this a great accompaniment for roast turkey or capon over the holidays.

• 4 small yams or sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and halved lengthwise
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the yams cut side up in a single layer in a gratin dish and sprinkle the rest of the ingredients over them.

Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the yams cut side down and bake for another 10 minutes, until browned and tender. Serve.