Traditional Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

3 to 4 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
3/4 cup of granulated sugar, or to taste
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup of half and half
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups of mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 1-1/2 to 2 quart casserole dish; set aside.

Mash the cooked and cooled sweet potatoes until smooth; add the butter, half the sugar, pinch of salt and all of the half and half, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla extract; stir well and taste. Add the remaining sugar as needed to taste. Add the eggs and combine well. Pour into the casserole dish. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, until heated through well.

Remove, uncover and spread marshmallows on the top, bake uncovered about 10 minutes longer, or until marshmallows are nicely browned.

Serves about 6 - Double for the holidays.

Cook's Notes: Sweet potatoes may be boiled, baked or microwaved to cook. May substitute 3 (16 ounce) cans of candied yams, drained (like Bruce's brand), however, adjust sugar down accordingly to taste. Taste for sweetness before cooking, after adding all of the spices, but before adding the eggs. Marshmallows will puff up as they cook so for insurance, you may want to bake the casserole on an aluminum foil covered pan.

Make Ahead: If using the praline topping you can assemble this entire casserole the day before if you like. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and if using marshmallows, wait to add those as directed above.

Praline Topping:

This is enough praline topping for the casserole above, doubled. Reduce by half for the 6 serving size.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Whole pecan halves for garnish, optional
Melt the butter. Meanwhile mix the brown sugar, flour and pecans in a small bowl. Pour the butter into the brown sugar mixture and stir with a fork until well mixed. Eliminate the marshmallows and sprinkle the pecan mixture all over the top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with whole pecan halves after removing from the oven, if desired.

Source: http://deepsouthdish.com

**Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in a preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash.