Heat oven to 350°F. Butter a 1-quart casserole dish; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, syrup, milk, butter, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon; mix well.
Spoon mixture into prepared dish and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until top is nice and crusty. Sprinkle with whole or chopped pecans just before serving, if desired.
Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes