Bourbon Pecan Smashed Sweet Potatoes

As is evident by my last few postings, I seem to have a never ending supply of pecans and also a bottomless bottle of bourbon hanging around the house. I just can't seem to get away from the nut and alcohol laced recipes. This particular recipe is from Rachael Ray, who could possibly be the most annoying person on the planet. I used to be able to watch her show, but honestly the last few times I tried, I found myself foaming at the mouth within a few seconds. She just does not shut up, she talks and talks for what seems like forever, and then you realize she hasn't taken a breath in about 6 minutes and you wonder how she hasn't turned blue yet from lack of inhilation. And then there are those rumors about her husband and a hooker and a foot fetish, good god, no wonder Miss Ray has started lacing her mashed potatoes with bourbon, wouldn't you. Well, I can see her excuse, but what's mine? Hmm.

Recipe: Ray Ray's Thanksgiving in a Flash

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans, a couple of handfuls
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes and cook 12 to 15 minutes until very tender. Drain sweet potatoes in a colander. Return pan to medium heat. Add butter to the pan. When butter melts, add nuts and toast for 2 minutes. Add sugar and let it bubble. Add bourbon and cook out alcohol, 1 minute. Add orange juice and the cooked sweet potatoes. Smash with a masher and season the sweet potatoes with nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Rating = Damn Good