Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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

Directions

 * 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.