What Makes Your Thanksgiving Meal Special?

When it comes to Thanksgiving, you know the drill: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. For many of us, this holiday is full of memories that take the form of sweet-smelling, mouth-watering food. While we know what’s expected, there are no set rules for the menu. In fact, a staple in our house started out as a generic recipe that ultimately became a unique family tradition.

About 10 years ago, I attempted a new sweet potato pie recipe that I found in a book or magazine. In the process of whipping it up, I somehow left out some key ingredients (all the cinnamon and heavy cream) and accidentally cut the amount of sugar and corn syrup needed in half. The would-be dessert turned into a delicious side dish that my kids have requested every year since. Now it’s not Thanksgiving in my household without this plate on the table.

Do you serve a special dish on this day? Perhaps an heirloom recipe passed down from generation to generation? Or maybe your own one-of-a-kind concoction? If so, tell us about it!

Here’s my recipe in case you want to try it this Thursday. If you do, let me know what you think!

Monica’s Famous Sweet Potato Pie

½ -1 pound sweet potatoes: cooked, peeled, and mashed (The trick is to use real sweet potatoes. Canned won’t taste the same.)
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 egg yolk beaten
5 tablespoon butter, melted
3 eggs
¼ cup dark corn syrup
1 frozen pie shell, defrosted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine sweet potatoes in a large bowl with 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and a tablespoon of butter. Beat until smooth. Then pour the mixture into the pie shell and set aside.

Beat the three eggs until frothy. Mix the remaining sugar, butter, and syrup until combined. Pour over the sweet potatoes filling.

Bake for approximately 90 minutes. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Then enjoy!!

xox,
M

P.S. Check back for another pumpkin pie recipe (the dessert version) later this week in our new column called The Old-Fashioned Way, which is our tribute to classic American foods and drinks.

Photography courtesy of Creative Commons