A Time for Togetherness … and Food!

Can you believe that it’s November? For some, it means pushing full-force into Christmas, but I love Thanksgiving. A holiday that celebrates being thankful and encourages togetherness is a perfect stop before the Christmas madness begins!

If you’re going to be gathering with friends or family (or both!), you can have a taste of Willow Bay on your table, with Cricket’s Sweet Potato Pie. Here’s the recipe:

Cricket’s Sweet Potato Pie

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (from about 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup pecan halves

2/3 cup corn syrup (light or dark)

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (9-inch)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft. Peel, mash, and measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potato.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Pie Crust:

Roll out your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges as desired.

Make the Sweet Potato Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Add the beaten egg, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Make the Pecan Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecan halves.

Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the sweet potato filling.

Bake the Pie:

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pecan topping is nicely browned and the filling is set.

If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This will give the fillings time to set properly.

Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Sweet Potato Pecan Pie is a wonderful twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, offering a rich, layered dessert that's sure to please. The combination of creamy sweet potato and crunchy pecans makes every bite a delightful celebration of autumn. Enjoy your baking and your Thanksgiving feast!

Have you had the chance to visit Willow Bay? If not, you don’t want to miss The Second Time Around, the first book in my Willow Bay series. You can meet Cricket, get some more of her recipes, and, of course, read a second-chance romance that will have you swooning and clamoring for more Willow Bay. Find The Second Time Around here.