Yams in toasted spices

Ingredients:

Yam

• 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tbsp toasted spice mix
• 0.5 tsp gray salt

Toasted spice mix

• 1/4 cup fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp. coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp. peppercorns
• 1.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup pure California Anaheim chili powder
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Place yams in a glass or stainless steel bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and lemon juice. When the sugar has completely melted, add the toasted spices and salt. Pour the mixture over the yams. Stir well.
3. Place the yams cut-side up in a baking dish. Using a silicone spatula, spread the oil and spice mixture over the yams, then sprinkle each one with the toasted spice mixture. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (190°C) until the yams are easily pierced with a knife.
4. Toasted spice mix:
   Yield: about 1 cup
   
   Toast the fennel seeds, coriander, and peppercorns in a small heavy skillet over medium heat. When the fennel turns light brown, stir quickly. Turn on the range hood, add the red pepper flakes, and stir, stir, and stir under the range hood. Immediately transfer the spice mixture to a plate and let it cool.
5. Place in a blender along with the chili powder, salt, and cinnamon and blend. If you have a small spice grinder or coffee grinder, grind only the fennel, coriander, peppercorns, and chili flakes, then transfer to a bowl and mix with the remaining ingredients.