Sweet Potatoes

According to Robert L. Hall, the world’s major tropical crops can be divided into three broad categories. Yams (sweet potatoes) are a member of the first group—noncereal energy crops—and are grouped with cassava and bananas. According to Robert Hall in Anne Bower's African American Foodways, sweet potatoes are considered “the most important indigenous food crop in West Africa,” 40% of the West African population considers sweet potatoes a staple crop while many others consider it a secondary food. Due to its certainty of yield, the sweet potato was put on slave ships as provisions and spread to the New World. Here, sweet potatoes became a customary food for African Americans.

The History Makers Featured Audio Clip: This is a clip of Serena Wilson, African American griot, master-quilter, educator and entrepreneur, on her favorite food.

HEALTHY RECIPE FOR SWEET POTATO PIE

Here is a recipe from cleananddelicious.com which features a "no-bake" sweet potato pie! We hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp. of earth balance
¼ cup of maple syrup
2 tsp of cinnamon
1/3 tsp. of nutmeg
A pinch of salt
½ cup of grape nuts
¼ cup of pecans, chopped

Instructions

Steam sweet potatoes for eight to ten minutes or until nice and tender.

While you’re potatoes are steaming combine one tsp of cinnamon with the grape nuts and chopped pecans. This will be you’re topping!

Once the sweet potatoes are done cooking, transfer them to a large bowl and using a big fork to begin mashing. Keep on mashing until most of the big chunks are gone.

Add in the butter, syrup, and the rest of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined (… take a taste… smile!).

Scoop about ¾ cup of sweet potato pie filling into a serving bowl and top with a couple of teaspoons of the grape nut mixture and a dollop of whipped cream… enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 268; Total Fat: 9.8g; Saturated Fat: 1.7g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 162 mg; Carbohydrate: 44.6g; Dietary Fiber: 5.1; Sugars: 22.4; Protein: 4.2g

Here is a Youtube Video for a demonstration on how to cook the healthier "no-bake" sweet potato pie recipe from above.