The Not-So Famous Dave's Sweet Potato Casserole

3 lb. organic Red Garnet sweet potatoes, baked, peeled and mashed (about 3 cups)
1/2 c. melted butter, divided
1/4 c. brown sugar, divided
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla
OPTIONAL: add orange peel, about 1/2 a medium orange
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
1/2 tsp- 1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly-grated nutmeg

In a batter bowl, mix 1/4 c. butter, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, orange peel, if using, and salt with the mashed sweet potatoes until well mixed.

Place sweet potato mixture in a buttered 8x8 inch glass pan.

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 c. melted butter with pecans, 2 Tbsp. (or more) brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread topping evenly over sweet potato mixture, sprinkling a litle more cinnamon and nutmeg on top if desired.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until top is brown and mixture is bubbly.

One of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes that David Cantwell has been making for years in our home. No Thanksgiving is complete without it! :)