- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (packed) light-brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 sweet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), peeled, cut into large cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Mix the syrup ingredients in a small pot; swirl over low heat until combined, about 5 minutes.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold, salted water; bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes until very tender, 15 minutes. Drain. Place in a large bowl.
- Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth, drizzling the syrup all over. Season with salt. Serve hot. (Or cover and reheat later in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.)