Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/4 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　3 pound large sweet potatoes, peeled and halved crosswise

　　1 cup packed light brown sugar

　　1/2 stick unsalted butter

　　1/4 cup water

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 to 1/3 cup bourbon

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F.

　　

Step 2

Cut each potato half lengthwise into fourths. Steam potatoes on a steamer rack set over boiling water, covered, until just tender, 10 to 15 minutes, then cool, uncovered. Transfer to a buttered 3-quart shallow baking dish.

　　

Step 3

Simmer brown sugar, butter, water, and salt, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in bourbon to taste. Drizzle syrup over potatoes and bake in middle of oven, basting occasionally, until syrup is thickened, about 1 1/4 hours.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Sweet potatoes may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Reheat before serving.