Sweet Potato Pie

Instead of doing a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving this year, how about a sweet potato pie instead? They're both similar in many ways, but the sweet potato pie is a little bit richer and perhaps not as custardy. (Is that a word? Custardy?) When I make it, I don't completely mash the potatoes. I usually leave them a little lumpy so you can really taste the pieces of sweet potato. SO delicious! You can top it with meringue or marshmallows and then brulee the top, but I prefer it as is, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It's seriously one of life's simple pleasures!

1 pie crust, either store bought or Home made
3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes*
2 tbs soft butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbs bourbon (optional)
2 tbs orange marmalade (optional)

Heat oven to 400F.
Line a deep pyrex pie plate with the pie crust. Crimp to make a decorative edge. Set aside.
In a large bowl, stir all ingredients together with a wire whisk. Pour into prepared pie shell. Place pie on a baking tray, and bake for 15 minutes. reduce heat to 350F and bake for another 30-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Remove from oven and let it cool to room temperature before chilling. Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream.

*To cook sweet potatoes:
Place whole sweet potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil. Boil for about 30-40 minutes or until tender. The potatoes are done when a fork can easily be inserted. Remove from pot. Run under cold water to cool. Remove skins with a paring knife, and mash with a potato masher or ricer.

Tips:
My favorite thing about this pie is the orange marmalade. I always add some when I'm making candied sweet potatoes, so I figured, why not add it to the pie as well? It's not too orangey, it's just enough to make people say "mmm...what is that...."
Add as much cinnamon as you like! You know there's no such thing as too much, right???
Instead of adding bourbon to the pie, you can add it to the whipped cream instead! Just add a few splashes of bourbon to your bowl of chilled heavy cream and then whip it up. Delish!