Peel and cube up the yams or sweet potatoes into cubes, place in a large saucepan, and cover with water. (The smaller the cubes, the faster they will cook)
Boil the yams or sweet potatoes until fork tender. Drain off all the water and put the potatoes back into the same pan.
Add the butter and mash the yams or sweet potatoes. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer.
Add the orange juice, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whip them up.
Scoop the whipped yams/sweet potatoes in a casserole dish that has been coated with non-stick spray.
Mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter to make the crumb topping. (Add additional spice here if you like)
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the whipped yams and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 35-40 minutes. The top will be a nice golden brown.