Sweet Potato Surprise

2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon minced ginger, fresh or candied
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 large apple peeled and thinly sliced
2 “just ripe” bananas, thinly sliced (optional)
1/3 cup apple juice, more if needed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
1/4 cup chopped dried fruit (apricots, peaches, pears, etc)
1/2 to1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
salt to taste

Cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks and steam over boiling water until tender. Cool and peel. Transfer to large bowl. Meanwhile melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add ginger, cinnamon and allspice, and cook for about 30 seconds to “spike the butter”. Stir in apple and banana slices and a little salt. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes, until apples are tender. Grease an 8-inch square pan or similar size.. Mash sweet potatoes, gradually adding apple and lemon juices and a bit more salt. Add cooked fruit and then dried fruit. Pour mixture into pan and top with nuts if desired. Bake in 350 oven for about 45 minutes. Serves 6. May be prepared the day ahead, removed from refrigerator to warm and then baked. I omitted the banana and added a little more apple.