Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert that is popular in the Southern United States. It is made by baking a pie shell filled with a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The filling is then baked until it is set and the crust is golden brown.

Sweet potato pie is similar in texture and flavor to pumpkin pie, but with a slightly sweeter and richer taste due to the use of sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin. It is often served during the fall and winter months, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and is typically topped with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Sweet potato pie has a long history in the United States, dating back to the colonial era when sweet potatoes were a staple crop in the southern colonies. Today, it remains a beloved dessert that is enjoyed by many, particularly in the Southern and African American communities.

SERVINGS: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 45 minutes + 1 hour baking time

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 9-inch (23 cm) pie crust, pre-baked

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Boil the sweet potato cubes until they are soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash them with a fork or potato masher.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
4. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
• You can also add chopped pecans or other nuts on top for extra crunch.