Patchwork Potatoes

9 to 12 servings

4 cups warm mashed potatoes
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted and divided
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cans (29 ounces each) yams or sweet potatoes, drained
Grated peel of 1 lemon

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
     
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons melted butter, the dill, and pepper; mix well and set aside. In another medium bowl, mash the yams then add the lemon peel and remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter; mix well.
     
  3. Spoon 5 equal-sized scoops of the yam mixture into the baking dish, placing one scoop in each corner and one scoop in the center. Using a spoon, shape each scoop into a square. Equally divide the mashed potato mixture into the four empty squares. Pat down to evenly fill any gaps, forming a checkerboard pattern.
     
  4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until heated through.