Sweet Potato Souffle

From Dana Schrader

Butter, for casserole
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Salt
1 (4.5-ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
Freshly ground black pepper

Topping:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, about 1/2 stick, cubed, at room temperature
1/2 cup self-rising cake flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
Add the potatoes to a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain in a colander in the sink.
Mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, beaten eggs, salt and pepper, to taste. Mix together until smooth. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish.
Topping: Combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, and pecans in a separate bowl. Crumble the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Serve hot.