6 people
SIDE
Ina Garten Foolproof (p. 178)
Sweet potatoes - 3 lbs
Orange - 1
Half-and-half - 1⁄2 cup
Unsalted butter - 1 1⁄2 sticks
Cayenne pepper - 1 1⁄2 tsp
Sweet potatoes - peel and cut into 1-inch cubes
Oranges - zest to yield 2 tsp, juice to yield 1/2 cup
Place a steamer insert or mesh colander in a large pot and add enough water to reach the bottom of the steamer. Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and cook over simmering water for about 25 minutes, until very tender. Check occasionally to be sure the water doesn't boil away.
Transfer the sweet potatoes to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, slowly add the half-and-half, orange zest, orange juice, cayenne pepper, 1 tbl salt and 1 tsp pepper. With the mixer still on low, add the butter, 1 tbl at a time until incorporated. Taste for seasonings and mix until smooth. Serve hot.