Cook's Ham

Vanilla Scented Sweet Potatoes

Description

Recipe courtesy of Chef Scott Neuman, Oba! Restaurante, Portland, Oregon

Ingredients

• * 1/4 vanilla bean, (fresh)
• * 1-3/4 cups half and half
• * 2-1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
• * 4 tablespoons butter
• * 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

1. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the half and half, add the scraped vanilla bean and simmer in a saucepan for 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to boil the mixture over.
2. Meanwhile, cut the sweet potatoes into small chunks, cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and add the butter and salt. Remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture and slowly add to the potatoes, while using a food mill, ricer or masher.
4. Add the half & half and season to taste with the salt. Keep warm over a double boiler until needed.