Jerry's Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Yet another recipe that cannot go without mention. My aunt's swoon over Jerry's mashed sweet potatoes. In part, no doubt, that it was made by a man...whee! Let that fact not overshadow it's greatness.

Topping
1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into 1/4 inch piece

5 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

4 large eggs
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar and butter in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to use.
Butter 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Cook sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 12 minutes. Drain. Let stand in colander 15 minutes. Mash the heck out of them.
Beat eggs, syrup, vanilla, lemon juice and salt in a large bowl. Mix in mashed sweet potatoes. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to prepared dish. Sprinkle topping over mixture.
Bake until sweet potato mixture is set and topping bubbles, about 1 hour. Let stand 15 minutes and serve.
Serves 12-14