Grandma's Sweet Potato Casserole

"It's taken me a while to get this recipe up because I can't write it without getting weepy. When my husband and were getting married, my sister put together an album of recipes from family and friends as a wedding shower gift. When I got wind of what she was doing, I specifically requested my grandmother's (or Dreena as I call her) Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. She served it every year at Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas too. I always looked forward to it, and loved helping her in the kitchen. Dreena was one of my very favorite people, ever. We lost her a few years ago and I haven't been able to make the casserole since. I miss her so much. But this Thanksgiving I decided to go ahead and bring it out of hibernation. I'm not going to lie, I made a few tweaks. But that's okay - she'd expect nothing less from me! The casserole was a huge hit at Thanksgiving and it kind of felt like she was with us at the table. The recipe makes a large casserole - we had seven adults and there were plenty of leftovers. But it's delicious hot or cold, so leftovers are kind of a life goal. You can also make it up a few days ahead and reheat in the oven, or freeze it several weeks in advance!"