Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts and Maple Syrup (Christmas)

1. Preheat over to 450. Microwave 1/2 c butter until melted. Toss together cut potatoes and melted butter. Transfer to large, rimmed baking sheet. Spread potatoes in single layer. Pour any remaining butter in bowl over potatoes. Sprinkle with 1/2 t of salt and 1/4 t of pepper. Roast potatoes in preheated oven until bottoms are lightly golden--about 15 minutes. Flip potatoes, sprinkle with 1/2 t of salt and remainint 1/4 t pepper. Return to oven, and bake until potatoes are very brown, about 10 minutes. Add stock to baking sheet and bake until most of liquid has evaporated--about 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, combine walnuts, syrup and remaining 1/4 c butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt in saucepan. Bring to simmer stirring to emulsify. Remove from heat. 3. transfer potatoes to platter. Drizzle with syrup mixture just before serving.