MICROWAVE 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:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes, until very tender when pierced with a fork.
• Meanwhile, toast the pecans (optional): Place the pecans in a medium sauté pan. Cook over medium-low heat, tossing often, for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a cutting board, and roughly chop. Sprinkle generously with salt, and set aside. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
• In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, watching carefully and stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula, until brown bits appear and the butter gives off a nutty aroma, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat immediately. Carefully pour the melted butter into a small heatproof bowl, scraping the pan with a spatula to get all of the brown bits. Set aside.
• Drain the cooked potatoes, and add them to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the milk, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper and mix on medium-low speed until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Add the reserved brown butter and mix until just incorporated.
• Transfer the potatoes to a shallow serving bowl, sprinkle with the reserved pecans, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm. (The potatoes may be kept warm, covered, in a low oven for up to 30 minutes. Add the pecans just before serving.)