I got this from a friend and started making it a few Thanksgivings ago instead of candied yams. Enjoy.

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter cut into 1/2" pieces.
5lbs red skinned sweet potatoes (actually, I just use regular old sweet potatos, but don't use yams)
4 large eggs.
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp salt

Mix sugar, pecans and butter in a small bowl.
Butter a 13x9 baking dish
Cook sweet potatoes in a large pot (about 12-20 minutes). Drain and let stand for 15 minutes.
Puree or mash potatoes
Beat eggs, syrup, vanilla, lemon juice and salt in a large bowl. Mix in potatoes, transfer to baking dish.
Sprinkle pecan mixture on top.
Bake at 350 for one hour.

(1)