Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

6 lb sweet potatoes
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 °F.

Prick each Potato twice with a fork and bake in a foil-lined shallow baking pan in lower third of oven until very tender, about 1 hour.

Remove and cool slightly.

Halve potatoes lengthwise and scoop out warm flesh into a large bowl.

Mash potatoes with a Potato masher or, for a smoother purée, force through a Potato ricer.

Stir in butter, cream, syrup, salt, and pepper.