Sweet Potato Pralines

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup cooked, mashed yams
1 cup pecans
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place sugar and milk in a heavy 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Add yams. Cook until mixture reaches 235 degrees F (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat and add pecans, butter and vanilla extract. Let cool.

Beat and pour into a buttered 8-inch square dish. Allow to completely harden.

Cut and serve.

Yield 20 pieces.