3 pounds dark orange sweet potatoes
8 slices bacon
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup warmed half-and-half
1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat oven to 350°F. Pierce sweet potatoes with fork. Line baking sheet with sides with foil. Place potatoes on sheet. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes till tender when pierced with fork. Let stand 15 minutes till cool enough to handle. Cook bacon till crispy. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Add onion and cook over medium heat 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally till softened. Peel potatoes and place in large bowl. Mash till no lumps remain. Add remaining ingredients and mash till very smooth. Add onion. Crumble bacon. Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish and stir remaining into potatoes. Garnish with reserved bacon.