Classic Sweet Potato Pie

Classic Sweet Potato Pie: Carrying on the Sweet Potato Pie Legacy: A Treasured Family Tradition

Introduction:

There's something truly magical about a homemade sweet potato pie that takes me back to the cherished memories of my childhood. The aroma of this delectable dessert evokes the fond recollections of my mother and grandmother, expertly crafting these irresistible pies in our family kitchen. But the sweet potato pie legacy extends beyond the boundaries of my immediate family - I also recall the moments spent with my dad's father, who was the master of pie-making during our visits to Georgia. Today, as I continue the tradition, I can't help but imagine the joy my grandparents would have taken in my pies if they were still with us. Join me as I share the significance of sweet potato pie in my family memories and the heartfelt connection it evokes.

Mother and Grandmother's Culinary Expertise:

As a child, I would stand in awe as my mother and grandmother transformed humble sweet potatoes into mouthwatering pies. Their deft hands confidently mashed the tender sweet potatoes and gracefully combined them with just the right amount of spices and sweetness. The meticulous process was a labor of love, resulting in pies that were both visually stunning and intensely flavorful. I would marvel at their skill and eagerly anticipate each bite, knowing it was made with the utmost care and affection.

Grandfather's Southern Influence:

During visits to my dad's home state of Georgia, my grandfather would take the reins of pie-making with unwavering enthusiasm, treating us to his signature sweet potato pies. As I watched his hands dance across the kitchen, meticulously filling his pie crusts with the velvety sweet potato mixture, I could sense the deep-rooted love for this time-honored tradition. The joy that radiated from his face as we savored every mouthful of his flavorful creation was truly infectious.

Embracing the Legacy:

Today, I carry the torch of sweet potato pie-making, motivated by the desire to honor the memories of my beloved grandparents. As I gather the ingredients, knead the dough, and lovingly prepare the filling, I can't help but imagine their presence in the kitchen, their warm smiles encouraging me along. With every pie I bake, I pour my heart into it, imagining the joy they would feel if they were here to taste it. It brings me immeasurable happiness to keep their legacy alive through the art of pie-making.

A Tribute to the Past:

As I share my homemade sweet potato pies with family and friends, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. The delicate scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, weaving together past and present, connecting the generations that have come before me. I like to think that my grandparents would find solace and delight in knowing that their love for sweet potato pie continues to flourish within me, and that their cherished recipe has been lovingly passed down through the years.

Classic Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed or pureed sweet potatoes

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 2 pie crust shells (See pie crust recipe)

• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup melted butter

• 3/4 cup evaporated milk

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Optional: 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

1. Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Either boil or bake them until they are soft and easily mashable.

2. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, mash or puree them until smooth. You should have approximately 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, 1/3 cup melted butter, 3/4 cup evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and optionally, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Take two pie crust shells (either homemade or store-bought) and prepare them for filling. It is optional to prebake the crusts if that is your preference.

5. Divide the sweet potato filling equally between the two pie crusts. Spread the filling out evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges.

6. Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. You can test the doneness of the pie by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

7. Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help the flavors meld together and the filling to fully set.

8. Once cooled, serve the Classic Sweet Potato Pie as is, or top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or any desired toppings.

Conclusion: Sweet potato pie has become a sacred link between me and the cherished memories of my mother, grandmother, and grandfather. The legacy they left behind has allowed me to embrace my passion for baking and pay tribute to the deep sense of love and connection I feel for my family. As I savor each bite of my homemade pies, I can't help but believe that my grandparents would have adored every mouthful. In honoring their spirit, I continue to create sweet potato pies that capture the essence of those remarkable family moments and keep the flame of tradition burning brightly.