A Delightful Thanksgiving Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie

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Sweet potato pie, a staple in Southern culinary tradition, often surprises those unaccustomed to its dessert form. Indeed, its name does hint at its sweet potential.

This pie offers a delightful twist to the customary pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving celebrations, embodying both simplicity and elegance. For those with a preferred pie crust recipe, feel free to incorporate it into this dish.

Thanksgiving Culinary Tips

• Cooking: Transform mundane side dishes with innovative flavors for a bold Thanksgiving experience.
• Listening: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Peanuts” TV special with an extended “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” soundtrack.
• Viewing: Anticipate Cher’s special appearance at the end of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

While a refrigerated pie crust is recommended for convenience, the addition of homemade whipped cream, whipped to a fluffy consistency, can significantly enhance the pie’s appeal.

It’s important to note the difference between sweet potatoes and yams; the former, smaller and creamier, are preferable for this recipe. Select sweet potatoes that are firm, unbruised, and have smooth skin. Rich in beta carotene, Vitamin C, and potassium, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse.

Once the sweet potatoes are baked and mashed, preparing the pie filling is straightforward.

As a bonus, any leftover pie makes an excellent post-Thanksgiving breakfast treat.

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EASY SWEET POTATO PIE RECIPE

Serving Size: 8 people

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 refrigerated pie crust (for a 9-inch pie)
• 3 large eggs
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• ⅔ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Sweetened Whipped Cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 1 1/2 hours until soft. After cooling slightly and peeling, puree and measure 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups.
2. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
3. For the filling, whisk eggs and orange zest in a large bowl. Add pureed sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt, blending well. Gradually whisk in the cream.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pie is ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Remember to whip the cream while the pie cools, and serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

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Additional Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes:

• The Best Moist Pumpkin Bread
• Apple Streusel Pie
• Easy Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Gingerbread

For more Thanksgiving culinary ideas, including accommodating various dietary preferences and adding a twist to classic fall ingredients, refer to Katie Workman’s articles and cookbooks. Katie, a regular contributor to The Big Big News, offers family-friendly cooking insights on her blog and can be contacted at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

More about Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

• Sweet Potato Pie Baking Tips
• Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
• Homemade Pie Crust Recipes
• Differences Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams
• Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
• Making Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts