Candied Maple Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, and slice each half crosswise into 1-inch-thick half-moon pieces.Melt butter in a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet over medium heat. (If you don't have a n oven-safe skillet, you can use another pan or skillet and transfer potatoes to a casserole dish when you put them in the oven). Add sweet potatoes to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Add maple syrup and toss again to coat. Bring to a boil.Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden and tender when pierced with a fork ( about 20 minutes).Remove potatoes from oven, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.