Candied Sweet Potatoes

5 pounds of sweet potatoes or yams 3 cups dark brown sugar 1/4 cup orange juice 1/4 butter 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Wrap potatoes in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes until tender. Let cool, then pull off peels. Cut into bite size chucks. Put them into a 9x13x2inch pan or 4 quarts. In a large sauce pan melt butter, then add dark brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and allspice. Bring to a boil and mix until brown sugar is dissolved. Mix baking soda into hot mixture; when it swells, pour it evenly over potatoes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and serve. Servings: 20-25 Other Additions: Throw some marshmallow on top and bake. Add walnuts, pecans, raisins or other dried fruit. Instead of orange juice, add Brandy or Jack Daniels. Brought by Dottie Beaver