Step 1

Put sweet potatoes and 6 cups water in a saucepan or stockpot on high heat. Cook until still slightly firm, 12 to 15 minutes from the time the heat is ignited. Pour off all water, reserving 2 cups.

Step 2

Return potatoes, butter, sugar and the 2 cups reserved water to the pot over high heat. Cook until the liquid starts to caramelize, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Remove potatoes, leaving the caramelized liquid. Cook the yam sauce an additional 5 minutes on high heat. Add Fried Chicken. (Eat the potatoes. They are delicious.)

Step 4

For Florence's fried chicken seasoning: Stir together the flour, salt, pepper, baking powder and cornstarch in a medium bowl.

Step 5

For the chicken: Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Melt shortening in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat. Cover chicken in Florence's fried chicken seasoning.

Step 6

Drop in skillet. Cook in two batches (white and dark separately), turning halfway through, until internal temperature reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat (not touching the bone), approximately 20 minutes.