Foryoueats: Fondant Slow-Roasted Sweet Potatoes - with Maple Butter Pecans

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 kg / 3 lb sweet potatoes – 3 thick ones (Note 1)
• 25g/ 1 1/2 tbsp butter , unsalted, melted (Note 2)
• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (Note 2)
• 3/4 tsp salt , kosher/cooking (1/2 tsp table salt)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock , low sodium (or vegetable stock)
• 1 garlic clove , finely minced
• Maple Butter Pecan Sauce (optional / not really!):
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (pure, Note 3)
• 30g/ 2 tbsp butter , unsalted
• 1/3 cup pecans , chopped (Note 4)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (highly recommended)