bug's sweet potato casserole

2 c. cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla

topping:
1 c. light brown sugar
1/3 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. flour
1 c. finely chopped pecans

1. mix sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla together.
2. place mixture in large, shallow baking dish.
3. to make the topping, mix butter with flour and sugar, using fork or pastry blender. add nuts and mix together.
4. sprinkle topping on mixture.
5. bake for 25 minutes in 350 degree oven.

notes: seriously, one of two casseroles from jamie's family that made me want to join the family!! little ol' me, the just-say-no-to-casseroles girl (i generally like my food simple and separate thankyouverymuch). and to think, i didn't even think i liked sweet potatoes before this dish was introduced to me some 10-12 years ago! :)

if using whole, cooked sweet potatoes, you'll generally need about 3 average-sized ones to get to 2 cups. canned ones work fabulously, too, and are much easier, but you have to make sure you get plain sweet potatoes (not in syrup) and that can be hard to find sometimes.

if making the recipe as is, put in 9x9 square pan. if doubling, put in 9x13, but don't double the butter and don't double the topping.