half-and-half, or 1/2 cup heavy cream plus 1/2 cup whole milk
sweet potatoes (5 to 6 medium or 4 large)
plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
(1 stick) unsalted butter
miso paste, preferably white
maple syrup
freshly ground black pepper
Place 1 cup half-and-half on the counter and let sit at room temperature while you cook the potatoes.
Peel 4 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks, and place in a Dutch oven or large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt and add enough cool water to cover by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, brown the butter.