Unbelievable Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Conventional culinary wisdom dictates that, on most dishes, the meat should be the star. A perfectly seasoned and cooked cut of steak or chicken usually rules the roost, and the vegetables or whatever other side is prepared only serve to complement the protein. Sometimes, however, the side-much like a quiet but egotistical backup singer-gets tired of playing second fiddle and steps out front to take the spotlight with a primal scream. This very thing happened on my plate last night. The protein, in this case a seasoned and grilled chicken breast, was soundly trumped and overshadowed by the best sweet potatoes I have ever had.

I picked up this recipe in a cooking class I attended last Tuesday. The teacher was a local chef named Donnie Ferneau, and he prepared these potatoes as a side for a grilled beef tenderloin. I was so blown away with the simplicity and flavor that I had to make them for myself. I have never had a dish that was so easy to make, yet featured such deep and complex flavors.  These potatoes have three ingredients: sweet potatoes, honey, and goat cheese. Yes, goat cheese. You don't believe it's good, do you? Well, you're wrong. The fact is, sweet potatoes have for too long been perverted by cooks (myself included) who overload them with mounds of butter, brown sugar, cream, white sugar, cinnamon, and a thousand other unnecessary ingredients that only hide their wonderful natural flavor and turn them into a calorie-laden mush. They just end up as another dessert. In this application, the goat cheese amplifies the natural sweetness inside the potato and adds a complex savory element without cranking the calorie count through the roof. The honey ties everything together wonderfully. And, like most mashed potato recipes, it takes almost no effort at all. Give them a try next time, and I'll bet you'll never turn back.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes, unpeeled
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups quality goat cheese
• 2 tbsp honey

Halve sweet potatoes lengthwise and place into a large pot. Fill pot with cold water until tops of potatoes are just covered, throw in a pinch or two of salt (if desired), place over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 30 minutes. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Remove skins - they should come right off with a fork or your fingers (if you're brave) and place over low heat. Cook for another minute or until potatoes do not hiss - this will remove any remaining water from the potatoes. Remove from heat. Mix in chunks of goat cheese and honey and mash to desired consistency. Add more goat cheese if desired. Serve and enjoy!