Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Amazing Appetizers!

Garnish with chives or scallions for a great tasting side dish!

4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 large) * Can substitute yams!
½ cup orange juice
½ cup of cream (substitute ½ & ½ or better, milk for lower fat version)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ tsp orange zest
½ tbs good maple syrup
¾ cup of dried cranberries
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Scrub the potatoes, prick them several times with a knife or fork, and bake them for 1 hour or until very soft when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and scoop out the insides as soon as they are cool enough to handle. Place the sweet potato meat into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add the orange juice, milk, butter, syrup, zest, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined but not smooth and then add cranberries. Once the cranberries are incorporated, transfer to a baking dish and bake the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through.

*(For an extra added bonus, you can top with thinly sliced sautéed apples and then bake).