3 large sweet potatoes (1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup water (or as needed)
3 tbsp honey
salt
white pepper
ground ginger
ground cardamom
ground cloves

Pare the sweet potatoes and cut into short sticks about 1/4-inch thick (if you have a food processor with a disk designed for French fries, use that).

Heat the oil and butter in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat; don't let the fat brown.

Add the potato sticks and toss to coat; season with salt, white pepper, about 1/4 tsp each of ginger, cardamom, and a small pinch of cloves. Add 1/2 cup water; adjust the heat to medium-low, and cook, tossing often, but gently, for about 5 minutes, adding drops of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Add the honey and continue to toss-cook until the sticks are just tender and nicely glazed, perhaps 3 minutes. Check the seasonings and serve promptly.

Yield: 6 servings