Black Folks Soul Food Candied Yams On The Stove

Name: Black Folks Soul Food Candied Yams On The Stove
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes (3 -3 ½ pounds); 6 cups cool water (for soaking the potatoes once cut); ¼ cup water (for the candied yams glaze); ½ cup butter (unsalted butter, or vegan butter); ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup sugar (granulated ); 2 teaspoons cinnamon (ground ); ½ teaspoon nutmeg (ground ); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon ginger (minced); ¼ teaspoon cloves (ground ); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups marshmallows (Optional, miniature marshmallows for topping)