Maple Sweet Potato Bake

1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup maple or maple-flavor syrup
1/4 cup apple cider or juice
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-1/2- to 2-inch chunks (8 cups)
1-3/4 pounds tart red and/or green apples
(such as Macintosh, Granny Smith or Rome Beauty),
cored and cut into eighths (4-1/2 cups)
1 cup pecan halves, toasted

In a medium saucepan combine butter, syrup, and cider;
heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Boil gently, uncovered, for 1 minute.
Remove from heat; set aside.
Place potatoes in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
Pour butter mixture over potatoes; stir to coat.
Cover and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 45 minutes.

Uncover dish; add apples and stir to coat evenly.
Bake, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender,
stirring once halfway through baking.
Sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Makes 10 servings.