6 pounds sweet potatoes
1 lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 tablespoons bourbon
8 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
Pecan Crumb Topping, optional
Pecan Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Pinch dried thyme

1/2 cup chopped pecans

5 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into bits

Mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme and pecans together in a small bowl. Add the butter and work with your fingers until a crumbly mass forms.