Sweet potato dishes are a specialty of the Southern states. This pie is typical for Thanksgiving as well as being appropriate for Kwanzaa.

Ingredients

• 8-9 inch shortcrust pie shell
• 1½ cups of mashed sweet potatoes
• ¾ cup cream or milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons bourbon or rum
• ½ cup pecan halves (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato with the cream or milk, eggs, butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and bourbon or rum. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and decorate the edge with the pecans if you are using them. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the filling is set. To test it, insert a warmed knife blade or skewer. If it comes out clean, the pie is ready. Serve warm—not hot—or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.