Make old-fashioned stovetop candied yams by simmering fresh sweet potatoes in a rich, buttery sugar syrup with warm spices

)Make old-fashioned stovetop candied yams by simmering fresh sweet potatoes in a rich, buttery sugar syrup with warm spices Ingredients3 lbs fresh sweet potatoes (or orange-fleshed yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed3/4 cup granulated white sugar1 tsp ground cinnamon1/2 tsp ground nutmeg1/4 tsp ground ginger1 tsp vanilla extract1/4 tsp salt2 tbsp fresh orange juice or a splash of water to start the liquid ( I USE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE BY MCCORMICK ) Prep the potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds or thick chunks Make the base: Place a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, orange juice, and spices. Stir until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve into a thick syrup Coat and simmer: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring gently so every piece is coated in the syrup Cover and cook: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender Thicken the glaze: Remove the lid during the final 10 minutes of cooking. Turn the heat up slightly to medium so the liquid bubbles down, thickens, and creates a rich, sticky glaze that coats the yams Serve: Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes so the syrup thickens further before serving warm ( I ALSO PUT TINEY MARSHMELLOWS ON THE TOP OR I USE THE FLUFF MARSHMELLOWS IN A JAR