Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2" chunks
• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp kosher salt