The Biggest Mistake You Make With Sweet Potato Pie Is Taking Shortcuts

Baking a sweet potato pie can take nearly an hour, so it’s understandable to look for shortcuts when and where possible. However, when we spoke with Chef Art Smith of Reunion in Chicago, it became clear that taking the quicker route is a mistake that deprives you and your guests of a better pie. Smith advises us not to skimp on the process. Of course, this can be hard to avoid in times of holiday frenzy or pre-dinner madness. So if you want to put the tastiest dessert possible on the dining room table, you may want to plan your schedule accordingly to spend a little extra time in the kitchen.

“People use canned sweet potatoes and store-bought pie crusts,” Smith acknowledges. However, the chef kindly points us in a different direction: “Roast your own sweet potatoes, mash and mash them for the best texture.” Although getting perfectly roasted sweet potatoes will take some effort and preparation, the results will be worth it when you slice and serve the pie with confidence and can enjoy it for yourself.

Read more: 30 Types of Cakes, Explained

Hard work with results you can taste

In addition to caring for sweet potatoes before incorporating them into your recipe, Art Smith encourages home bakers to make their own pie crust from scratch. This will add minutes to the overall cooking project. So you might consider making and storing the pie crust in advance so you have everything you need on hand for baking. You can also improve it with different ingredients. A pecan crust, for example, can be that extra oomph that cements the dessert in your guests’ minds and leaves a lasting impression.

If you can’t be bothered to make your own crust, you can always focus on filling your sweet potato pie. “If you want a little more flavor, add a splash of bourbon,” Smith recommends. “It’s optional, but delicious.” A few spoonfuls of alcohol can enhance some of the sweeter caramelized flavors in your recipe. Options with smokier tasting notes can complement the creaminess of sweet potatoes, creating layers of richness and complexity in your treat. When topped with maple-cinnamon candied bacon crumbles, simple candied walnuts or stovetop candied pecans and served with dollops of homemade honey whipped cream, your pie will have guests wondering if you have taken a professional course to learn how to invent such a delicious recipe.

Read the original article on the tasting table.