Cup of Yum
1. If using fresh yams, wash well, cut into thirds and place in a large pot of cold water. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook until soft, about 35-40 minutes, fork should go right through. Allow to cool for 10 minutes until you can handle them, then slice through skins and peel back discarding skins. Or save skins for your doggy, they'll thank you!
2. While yams are boiling, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Zest orange, set aside. Squeeze orange to yield ⅔ cup (might be necessary to use two oranges, or make up difference with fresh orange juice (not concentrate or the fake stuff, don't do it, don't even be tempted!)
3. Add whisky or brandy, set aside. If you prefer not to use in the dish, increase your orange juice by 2.5 Tablespoons. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter, set aside. Measure spices (salt, pepper, ginger) into a small dish, set aside.
4. Measure light brown sugar (dark ok), separate egg yolks (reserve) from the whites, throw away (or use in another dish) and set aside.
5. Mash yams using fork, masher or beat with a hand mixer. Mix until smooth. Add orange juice, orange zest, whisky/brandy, salt, pepper, ginger, melted butter, brown sugar and egg yolks.
6. Whip up until light and fluffy using stand or hand mixer, scraping down sides occasionally. Butter a 2 quart casserole dish, or if desired, split into two smaller baking dishes. If you do split this up, double or at least 1.5 your praline topping as you'll have more surface area. Spread yam mixture evenly into dish, smoothing out the top.

PRALINE TOPPING

Cup of Yum
1. Melt butter in small saucepan, remove from heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and salt; stir to combine well.
2. Rough chop pecans and stir into the butter/sugar mixture. Carefully spoon praline topping over the top(s) of the yam mixture.
3. Preheat oven to 350° F. and bake for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.*
4. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.
5. *If not making right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze.
6. When ready to bake, remove from fridge or freezer at least 1 - 3 hours prior to cooking and place on counter. Cook as directed.