Root Beer Candied Sweet Potates (Yams)

What we call "yams" are not yams but sweet potatoes. Real yams only come from Africa. This recipe from my son, Was made and served at Gobble 'til you Wobble last year. With his new business, and new son, he was not able to cook with us this year, we made yams the classic way. Here is his way.

6 medium sweet potatoes, or yams
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1-12 ounce bottle of root beer, good quality
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

Scrub sweet potatoes, but do not peel. Place potatoes in a 12" dutch oven. Add just enough water to cover. Heat, over 16 to 20 charcoals, to boiling; Cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Remove skins. Cut into 1" cubes.
Pour root beer into same 12" Dutch oven. Place over same charcoals and reduce to thick syrup. Add remaining ingredients, except yams. Stir constantly until smooth and bubbly. Add potatoes (yams). Gently stir until glazed and hot. Serve
You can substitute fresh yams with a can (23 ounce) yams, just omit the boiling, and peeling step, but fresh is better.