WHOLE BAKED YAMS WITH SPICY MOLASSES BUTTER

Whole Baked Yams with Spicy Molasses Butter image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons mild-flavored (light) molasses
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 9- to 10-ounce yams (red-skinned sweet potatoes)

Steps:

Using electric mixer, beat first 7 ingredients in medium bowl until fluffy. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheet with heavy-duty foil. Using small, sharp knife, make one 1/2-inch-deep lengthwise slit in each yam, leaving 1 inch of yam uncut at each end. Place yams on baking sheet. Bake yams until tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cut slits across center of each yam. Press ends toward center to expose flesh. Transfer yams to platter. Spoon 1 tablespoon spiced butter into each. Pass remaining spiced butter separately.