Fluffy Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie with Gingered Whipped Cream and Toasted Pecans

2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 large)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs

¾ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons best quality bourbon

1 generous teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup packed dark brown sugar

¼ cup granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon find-ground sea salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 store-bought graham cracker crust (10-inch)

Whipped cream

½ pint heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon ground ginger

Toasted pecans, for garnish

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Wash and dry sweet potatoes. With a fork, prick the sweet potatoes all over about six times. Set sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet or baking pan. Roast until soft and you can see bits of sugar bubbling where you pricked the potato, about 1 hour. Reduce heat to 375 degree. Cool, peel and measure out 2 generous cups of cooked sweet potato. Remove flesh to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the “s” blade; purée until smooth. While the motor is running, add the butter to soften the sweet potatoes. Add the eggs. You will notice the sweet potatoes will start to take on a lighter, almost peachy color.

In a small bowl, combine the cream, bourbon and vanilla extract. Add the liquids as the machine is running. The mixture will look light and fluffy at this point. Scrape the sides and add the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt and cloves. Purée to combine. The sugar and spices will darken the color a bit but the texture will remain very fluffy. Spoon the filling into the prepared crust and place on a cookie sheet. Bake until filling is set, about 40 minutes. To test, shake the pie; the center of the pie should jiggle slightly. If you aren’t sure, stick a toothpick or a butter knife in the center; if it comes out clean, the pie is done. Let cool and then chill thoroughly before serving.

For the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, sugar and ground ginger. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip until cream is thick and stiff.

Serve pie with ginger whipped cream and toasted pecans.

Serves 10.

Chef Elizabeth Karmel for North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission