Place a steaming basket in a pot; add 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender.

When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut them into crosswise slices about 1/2-inch thick.

Position the rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish

Combine the butter, brown sugar, salt, and 3/4 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.

Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the slices. If desired, add a cinnamon stick.

Bake the sweet potatoes for 30 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.