Vanilla Mashed Sweet Potatoes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, cleaned and left damp
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons half-and-half
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch white pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F Put potatoes on baking sheet and bake until fork tender, approximately 1 hour.
Remove from oven and let cool until just cool enough to handle. Peel and discard skins. Set aside in a covered bowl.
Pour half and half into a 2 quart pot. Add vanilla and orange zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Mash sweet potatoes and butter with a potato masher or mixer on low. Slowly add vanilla milk mixture until potatoes reach desired consistency.
Season with kosher salt and white pepper to taste.
Serve warm.