Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

2 c. water
3/4 t. salt
6 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 3 lbs.), unpeeled
4 T. butter
3 T. firmly packed brown sugar
2 t. grated orange zest
1 c. orange juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil, add 1/4 t. of the salt, and lower heat to medium. Cook potatoes, covered, until almost tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool. Peel and quarter lengthwise.

Arrange potato spears in a 9-x-13-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray or oil. In a small pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add sugar, remaining 1/2 t. salt, orange zest, and juice, and stir until sugar is dissolved and flavors are blended, about 1 minute. Pour orange sauce over potatoes and bake, uncovered, until potatoes are heated through, about 30 minutes.

Serves 8 to 10.

From The Big Book of Potluck, p. 183.