6 pounds (approximately 7 – 9 mediums size) sweet potatoes (each in similar size), scrubbed, pricked several times on top with a fork, left whole

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, heated till just below a simmer

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1, 16-ounce bag large marshmallows

3/4 cup pecan pieces

Method:

1.     Preheat oven to 400ºF.

2.     On a shallow baking tray lined with foil, lay the prepared sweet potatoes without touching one another.

3.     Place in preheated 400ºF until cooked through and soft to the touch, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4.     Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature until cool enough to handle, approximately 20 minutes.

5.     Using a small pairing knife, halve each potato. Using a large spoon or clean hands, carefully scoop out the “flesh” from each potato and place in a large bowl.

6.     Using a potato masher or ricer, for a smoother texture, mash until smooth. Add warm milk, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Using a whisk or rubber spatula, carefully mix ingredients until fully combined and smooth.

7.     In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread mixture into an even layer.

8.     Place in preheated 400ºF oven until heated through, approximately 15 minutes.

9.     Evenly cover potato mixture with marshmallows in a single layer leaving a ½-inch border around the edges (marshmallows will puff and spread during cooking). Sprinkle pecans on top. Place the sweet potato baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow in the oven.

10.  Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Return sweet potatoes to preheated 400ºF oven and cook until the marshmallows have toasted, approximately 13 – 15 minutes. Note: Watch the marshmallows because they can burn in a matter of seconds.

11.  Serve immediately while hot!

Kitchen Note:  If you prefer to make this less sweet, simply remove the maple syrup or use less marshmallows.