Yams are the more delicious cousin of the potato. I hate to say that (having Irish in my blood) but it's true. Sometimes a potato just doesn't cut it in the flavor department. And baking up these sweet yams is incredibly simple. Add an inexpensive and flavorful starch to your meal with this recipe.

1 yam per person
1 piece of aluminum foil per yam
1 tbsp of maple syrup per yam
salt and pepper to taste

Method
1. Wash and scrub the yams.
2. Cut a slit in the top of each one to let the steam release while baking.
3. Wrap each yam in foil and place directly on the middle rack of a 350F oven. You can add a pan to the lower rack to catch any drips if it makes you more comfortable.
4. Leave them to bake for 2 hours
5. Remove from the oven after baking is complete and slice in half or in rounds. Drizzle with maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to taste. You can throw them back in the foil and bake for 15 minutes more if you want them to be seriously syrupy, or you can just drizzle and serve hot without re-baking.