4 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes (about 8-9 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. grated orange peel
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tbsp. Bourbon or Dark Rum (the secret ingredient)
orange slices, for garnish (optional)

In large saucepan, place potatoes in just enough lightly salted water to cover. Heat to boiling over high-heat setting, then reduce to medium; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.

Return potatoes to saucepan. Mash a bit with a potato masher. Add the butter, brown sugar, salt, orange peel, black pepper, and Bourbon or Rum. Thoroughly mash potatoes until mixture is well blended.

Note: You may use a hand-held mixer rather than a potato masher for extra fluffy sweet potatoes and ease of blending.

Spoon mashed sweet potatoes into serving bowl and garnish with orange slices, if so desired. Serve warm.

Makes 12 servings.

Submitted by: Becky Gray