Butter-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Preparation

1. 1. Pierce each potato with a fork 3 to 4 times on each side. Wrap each potato in a damp paper towel. Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes, turning after 4 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes in half; scoop pulp into a bowl. Mash pulp.
2. 2. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Stir butter, milk, and salt into potato pulp. Top with pecans.
3. Variation 1 Maple Bacon Price per serving: $0.85 Prepare master recipe through step 1. Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter, 2 tablespoons fat-free milk, and 4 teaspoons maple syrup. Top mashed sweet ­potato mixture with 1 1/4 ounces cooked and crumbled bacon (about 3 slices). Serves 4 (serving size: 1/2 cup) Calories 268; Fat 6.6g (sat 3.1g); Sodium 351mg
4. Variation 2 Chipotle-Lime Price per serving: $1.08 Prepare master recipe through step 1. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons fat-free milk, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo sauce, 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Serves 4 (serving size: 1/2 cup) Calories 193; Fat 0g (sat 0g); Sodium 227mg
5. Variation 3 Parmesan-Sage Price per serving: $1.05 Prepare master recipe through step 1. Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter, 2 ­tablespoons fat-free milk, 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh sage, 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Serves 4 (serving size: 1/2 cup) Calories 233; Fat 4.9g (sat 3.1g); Sodium 328mg