Orange Yams

6 to 8 medium yams
2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 tsp. orange zest
1 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
Dash of ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg
Garnish:  chopped pecans

Place yams and apples in crock pot.  Stir in butter and orange zest.  Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl.  Pour over yams and apples.  Cover and cook on high 1 hour and then on low 2 hours or until apples are tender.  Garnish if desired.
You can substitute a 40 oz. can of yams or sweet potatoes or approximately 4 cups cubed butternut squash for the sweet potatoes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
ideal crock pot:  3 1/2 quart