Make Ahead Holiday

Sweet Potatoes. It seems folks either love 'em or hate 'em. There doesn't seem to be much wiggle room, or gray area. For our family, they are definitely a love. Any way we can get them! Mashed, baked, roasted, fries, it doesn't matter, we gobble them up.

But one thing we can't stand? The traditional addition of marshmallows to the top! Yep, what most Americans consider the norm, is not allowed on ours. And I when I say I don't enjoy the marshmallows, it's minor to the hatred my husband feels for them. Any time he sees those white clouds sitting atop, he says "Great, now they are ruined." Yeah, he's not really one to mince words. But we realize for many, they are a must, and we respect that, we just can't join in.

So I'm always on the lookout for new ways to serve sweet potatoes, especially around the holidays, and when I can also ease the stress of holiday cooking, it's an added bonus. See, these can actually be made a day or two ahead, refrigerated and then reheated in the oven, right alongside the bird! If you can check a few items off the list before the big day, why not make it a little easier on yourself?

Sweet, buttery and full of flavor, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a star at any holiday table. And if your family digs the marshmallows, by all means, add some on top. Just don't offer them to my husband.

Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
6 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled
1/2 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, diced
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, extra for garnish
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375. Lay potatoes on baking sheet, or 2 depending on size. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Roast for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove to a large bowl. In a small sauce pan combine syrup, sugar, butter and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow to slightly thicken. Add syrup mixture to potatoes. Mash with potato masher, or whip with electric mixer until desired consistency. (We likes our to have a few small chunks.) Transfer to serving bowl. Top with pecans and extra cinnamon.

*NOTE* To make ahead, prepare through mashing. Put in an air tight container with lid and store in fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, preheat oven to 325. Put potatoes in casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 1 hour until warmed through. Remove and garnish as recipe states.

Shared on The Country Cook Nov. 15, 2013

Sweet Potatoes at Very Good Recipes