Sweet Potato Casserole

This is an authentic Southern recipe from a friend in Alabama. Since tasting it ten years ago this is the one I have made each year since for Thanksgiving.

4 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional, but I use it)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup butter
1 cup chopped nuts

Combine the sweet potoatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, orange rind, coconut and 1/2 cup butter. Beat until smooth. Spoon into a greased 2 quart shallow casserole. Combine brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup butter and pecans; sprinkle over the top of casserole and bake in a preheated 350 oven for 30 minutes. Yields 10-12 servings.