SWEET POTATOES WITH BROWN SUGAR AND PECANS

4 large sweet potatoes or yams, scrubbed
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup pecan pieces (optional)

Heat oven to 375°F.

Poke the sweet potatoes with fork all over, about six times. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake until very tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and, with a knife, make crosshatch marks, cutting into the potatoes about halfway through. Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and set aside.