Team Pumpkin Pie OR Team Sweet Potato Pie?
Fall is in the air and that means pumpkin spice ERRthang is all around. From candles, to coffee orders, and even a Spotify playlist! But when it comes to hosting a fall party or being put in charge of the desserts, which one are you choosing … pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie?
Let me start by saying that I tease my husband for having a sugared up vegetable as his favorite dessert (sweet potato pie). Granted, pumpkin is also a vegetable but it just doesn’t hit the sweet spot like a sweet potato. I personally cook with sweet potatoes throughout the year so pumpkin is a nice seasonal treat.
I appreciate the “farm to table” journey when making pumpkin pie. We can make the process a family event by going to the pumpkin patch, carving them, and doing other fun activities. I’ve even contemplated growing pumpkins in our backyard but I’ve seen them grow out of hand like my son’s effort to plant cantaloupe by casually throwing a handful of seeds in one area. Needless to say, they grew like a chia pet! But having an activity where everyone in the family can participate, is special.
As I mentioned, I cook sweet potatoes often. I love them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I eat them with eggs. I eat them in a dish I call Sweet Potato Boats where I bake them whole and put sautéed shrimp or chicken, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, and quinoa or rice in the middle of it. It’s light but filling and is always a hit!
With sweet potato pie, the twist of adding sugar and incorporating the root vegetable into a dessert creates a dense treat that reminds me of the south. There’s just something about it that reminds me of home in Mississippi.
Also, my wedding anniversary is 3/14, also known as “Pi Day”. This is in reference to the number of course but I’ve gotten sweet deals on pizza AND pie these past years. We got married during spring break while in college and I started the tradition of baking sweet potato pie as a gift but sadly haven’t kept up with it. Writing this is inspiring me to jump back into it.
Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion but if I had to choose one, I couldn’t. There are just too many variables. What time of year is it? Who’s all coming to the party? Is it my wedding anniversary? That’s just me. Which one are YOU bringing? Don’t forget to invite me over to try!
Here are two great recipes that you should throw into your baking rotation this fall: one is from Sally’s Baking Addiction and the other is a vegan twist from Sweet Potato Soul.
