Dating back to 1897, the traditional Senate Inaugural Luncheon features dishes from the home states of the president and vice president. Barack Obama’s inaugural theme "A New Birth of Freedom" paid homage to Abraham Lincoln, who had a taste for wild game and seafood. Menu items included Seafood Stew in Puff Pastry, Duck Breast served with Sour Cherry Chutney, Herb-Roasted Pheasant with Wild Rice Stuffing, and this wonderfully flavorful recipe for Molasses Whipped Sweet Potatoes.
3 large sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup orange juice
½ tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until easily pierced with a fork, about one hour. Peel the skin off of the sweet potatoes while still hot.
By hand or mixer, smash potatoes until all large chunks are gone. Combine the potatoes, butter, salt, orange juice, brown sugar, ground cumin, molasses and maple syrup in a large bowl. Continue to mix all together until all lumps are gone. Yields two quarts.
Source: US Senate, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.