BAKING MASHED SWEET POTATOES RECIPES

Steps:

• Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add to a large pot and add enough water so that they are covered by about one inch of water. Add the salt and bay leaf.
• Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well, and then return the potatoes to the pot. Or if you plan to use a food processor, add them directly to the processor bowl. (A food processor makes extra silky mashed sweet potatoes.)
• Add the butter, cinnamon, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher until your desired consistency. If using a food processor, pulse until your desired consistency.
• For extra creamy sweet potatoes, stir in sour cream or a splash of heavy cream, milk, or half-and-half. Serve with extra butter and chopped fresh herbs (optional) on top.

Steps:

• Peel and cut the sweet potatoes. Peel 4 pounds sweet potatoes, then cut them into chunks that are no larger than 1-inch.
• Sauté the sweet potatoes in butter. Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and sauté until glossy, more vibrant in color, and just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Simmer the sweet potatoes. Pour in 2 cups milk and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning, until the sweet potatoes are very tender and beginning to fall apart, 20 to 25 minutes. The half-and-half or whole milk may curdle in this process but that’s okay — it will smooth out with mashing.
• Mash the sweet potatoes. Remove from the heat. Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes in the pot until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
• Whip the sweet potatoes. Add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Switch to a sturdy whisk and whisk the sweet potatoes vigorously until whipped and lightened in texture, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with more salt as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.