Delta Sweet Potato Pie

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked sweet potato puree (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

• 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Spatula

Instructions:

Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Fats:
   • Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water:
   • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Shape:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
   • Transfer the dough to the pie plate and trim and crimp the edges.
   • Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
6. Pre-Bake (Optional):
   • For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes.

Filling:

1. Prepare Sweet Potato Puree:
   • Bake or boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and mash them until smooth.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Pour and Bake:
   • Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pie cool completely before serving.
   • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

• Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top of the pie before baking.
• Bourbon or Rum: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the filling.
• Ginger Snap Crust: For a different crust, use crushed ginger snaps.

Enjoy your delicious Delta Sweet Potato Pie!