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

 * 1) Preheat oven to 400 °F.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) Remove and cool slightly.
 * 4) Halve potatoes lengthwise and scoop out warm flesh into a large bowl.
 * 5) Mash potatoes with a Potato masher or, for a smoother purée, force through a Potato ricer.
 * 6) Stir in butter, cream, syrup, salt, and pepper.