JUNETEENTH SWEET POTATO PIE

Juneteenth is an African American holiday celebrating the end of slavery. Every year, families from all across the United States, gather on June 19th to have reunions and picnics in celebration of Juneteenth. Sweet potato pie is often served at these gatherings.

YOU WILL NEED: 2 to 2½ cups canned sweet potatoes 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 1/4 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4teaspoon ground allspice 9-inch unbaked pie crust

DIRECTIONS:   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the sweet potatoes in a small mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes. Combine the butter and sugar in the larger mixing bowl. Stir them well with the mixing spoon, then use the eggbeater to blend them. Crack the eggs into the bowl. Mix thoroughly with the mixing spoon. Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the mixture. Stir well. Add the milk, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir the mixture well. If the mixture seems very soupy or liquidy, add another ½ cup sweet potatoes, then pour into the pie shell. Bake the pie for 35 to 45 minutes. The pie is done when the filling if firm, or when a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, place the pie on a wire rack to cool. Serve at room temperature. Makes about 6 to 8 servings.