Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Allow eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Grease a 2-quart square baking dish; set aside. In a Dutch oven cook sweet potatoes, covered, in enough boiling salted water to cover for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender; drain. Return potatoes to the pan.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly mash potatoes with a potato masher. Stir in brown sugar, half-and-half, melted butter, orange peel, orange juice, and salt. Cool for 5 minutes. In a small bowl lightly beat the egg yolks with a fork. Stir the egg yolks into the sweet potato mixture. Transfer sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, for meringue, in a large mixing bowl combine egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed about 4 minutes more or until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and sugar dissolves.

Sprinkle pecans evenly over hot potatoes. Immediately spread or pipe meringue over top, carefully sealing to edge. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meringue reads 160°F.