Eula Mae's Sweet Potato Pie

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°F. Put sweet potatoes in a large, heavy pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then let boil until tender and drain.

Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash well with a fork while they are still hot. (You should have about 2 cups.) Add butter chips and stir until all are melted. Add eggs, molasses, honey, sugar, salt, spices, orange zest, and half-and-half and mix together well. Pour into prepared pie crust and smooth top with a rubber spatula. Arrange pecan halves evenly over top of pie.

Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake until pie is set and pecans are toasted, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.