Tom Saaristo Sweet Potato Pie w. Maker’s Mark Crème Fraîche

http://tomsaaristo.com

Sweet Potato Pie w. Maker’s Mark Crème Fraîche

Crème Fraîche Ingredients: [Cooks Note: Crème Fraîche needs to be made in advance]*
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk [1 percent to 2 percent]
2 tablespoons fresh cream
pinch superfine sugar
1 – 2 tablespoons Maker’s Mark bourbon

Pie Ingredients
4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, baked until soft, then peeled
3 whole eggs, beaten
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated preferred
pinch coarse salt
1 teaspoon grated orange zest, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 9-inch pie shell, refrigerator cold

Spicy Cinnamon Sprinkle Ingredients [for any quantity]
9 parts cinnamon
2 part nutmeg
1 part white pepper

Method
Make the crème fraîche
Pour cream and buttermilk into a 2 1/2-cup jar with a lid. Replace the lid, shake well, and allow mixture to rest at warm room temperature overnight. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using. The mixture will reach its optimal thickness after 4 or 5 days.

Make the pie
Preheat oven to 400°

Put the cooked sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and mash with wooden spoon. Set aside.

Combine the eggs, sugar, spices, salt, orange zest, and cream in a small bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Pour into mashed sweet potatoes. Combine until thoroughly incorporated. Add the butter, and mix well. Pour mixture into prepared pie crust. Bake at 400°, 45 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

While the pie is cooling, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and white pepper in a small bowl, mix thoroughly until combined.

To serve:
Add the fresh cream to 8 oz. of the crème fraîche, sprinkle in the sugar, and add the bourbon. Whip the crème fraîche mixture with a whisk until light and fluffy. Slice the pie into equal – or not-so-equal – servings. Plate each slice. Swirl on a dollop of whipped crème fraîche, sift a scant teaspoon of Spicy Cinnamon Sparkle on top, and garnish with a mint or basil leaf. Serve immediately.

Reap the rewards.

*Timesaving Tip: You can buy crème fraîche in specialty markets.