Jon's Maple-Mashed Sweet Potatoes

From epicurious.

Ingredients:

• 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

Prep:

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.