Monday, October 11, 2010

TWICE BAKED SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This very VERY good and well worth the effort. It's not just for the holidays!

You will need:

3 pounds sweet potatoes
1/2 cup butter softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon allspice
pinch of mace
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Scrub the sweet potatoes and prick the skin with a fork. Bake uncovered on a baking sheet until they are soft, about 1 hour. Allow potatoes to cool, then peel away the skin using a sharp pairing knife or any utensil you like.. Place the peeled potatoes in a mixing bowl and blend until smooth with a potato masher, whisk, or electric mixer.

Add the butter, cream, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla to the mashed potatoes and use a stiff wire whisk to whip together thoroughly. Add in the allspice and mace, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

TOPPING - You may double the topping for extra yumminess :)

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans (we used almonds)

ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE:

Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish and dot with pats of butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Bake for 30-40 minutes. The sweet potatoes will puff up slightly and the topping will be bubbly and golden when the casserole is done.

Bon appetit!
Meg