When I was growing up my mom always prepared healthy and hearty homemade dinner.  All seven of us would gather together in the dining room to discuss our days and enjoy the meal.  It was a normal part of our daily routine.

My mom never shied away from turning a regular weeknight dinner into a special occasion.  Most nights she lit candles and dimmed the lights, and I don’t remember a meal when music wasn’t playing in the background. Italian for dinner? We’d listen to Luciano Pavarotti.  Mexican?  Just the right reason to turn on her Linda Ronstadt CD.

On a chilly Monday once every January my mom would make a soul food feast to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.  As we filled up on fried chicken and black-eyed peas and corn bread we’d listen to Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech set to spiritual music.  What a nice way to remember a man who sacrificed his life in his efforts to bring equality for all.  As I listened to the song again today I was immediately transported back to my 12-year old self sitting with my family at dinner.  Memories!

Moodswings – Spiritual High (Part 3)

One of my favorite parts of the Martin Luther King dinner was dessert.  Sweet potato pie!  I made my own version tonight, and it turned out really good.  I think if Dr. King came over for dinner he’d like it, too.

My Sweet Potato Pie

1 large sweet potato
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk (I didn’t have any in my pantry, so I simmered two cups regular milk until it reduced to one cup – about 20-25 minutes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
generous splash of dark rum
pie crust (store bought or homemade)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel sweet potato and cut into 1″ chunks.  Set into a steamer basket and place over a pan of boiling water.  Steam until potato is soft and tender.  Remove from steamer basket and place in a large bowl.  Using your hands or a potato masher, smoosh the sweet potato leaving a few small chunks.

To sweet potatoes, add eggs, sour cream, milk and vanilla.  Stir well.  Add brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and rum.  Stir until well combined.

Pour mixture into a 9″ unbaked pie shell.  Bake for 50 minutes or until filling is set.

Serve to a happy family while remembering the legacy of Dr. King!