Makes 10 to 12 servings
1 pound unsalted butter
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup, packed, dark brown sugar
2/3 unpeeled orange, sliced, seeded (stem slice discarded)
2/3 unpeeled lemon, sliced, seeded (stem slice discarded)
2 sticks cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon mace
Heat the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over high heat; when about half melted, add the remaining ingredients. Stir, cover, and cook over high heat until mixture comes to a strong boil, about 10 minutes. Stir then reduce heat and simmer covered 20 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until sweet potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and discard cinnamon sticks. Orange and lemon slices can also be discarded if desired. Serve immediately, undrained. Can also be mashed.