Start by peeling your sweet potatoes to remove the skin. Once peeled, cut the sweet potatoes into slices, chips, or chunks as you prefer.
Place a pot on the stove over medium heat and add the stick of butter. As the butter melts, add ¾ cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp. of cinnamon, 1 tsp. of nutmeg, ¼ tsp. of ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Stir in 2 tbsp. of vanilla extract and the juice of one orange. Continue to stir the mixture until well combined.
Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the pot, making sure they are well-coated with the sweet, spiced mixture.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the sweet potatoes simmer over low heat. Allow them to cook for about 20-25 minutes. Check the tenderness with a toothpick or fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened, your Southern Candied Yams are ready. Transfer them to a serving dish.
If desired, garnish with additional brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Serve your Southern Candied Yams as a side dish for a delicious and comforting meal.