Happy New Year! And A Cocktail
Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: June 8, 2023

Hello friends! How was your last week? I just wanted to check in here briefly to let you know that I’m still alive, and well, and enjoying California immensely. Though, by the end of this trip, I’m going to need another vacation so I can unwind from this one. I’m sure many of you can relate.
We’ve been doing a lot of coastal driving, my favorite kind of all. It makes me miss having a car, and the mobility and carefreeness it affords. The photo above (yup, Instagram, because sometimes I just don’t want to lug my camera around) was taken in Fort Bragg, about three-and-a-half hours north of San Francisco. The trees here are shaped by the wind, which is relentless all times of the year, but especially so in the winter. It’s something I’ve missed, the coast, the wind, the ocean, the wildness of it all. I imagine the first settlers to this area trying to make sense of it all, constructing their neat little houses and churches to emulate those places from which they came. I wonder how successful they were.


I’ve also missed the trees. Redwoods are my favorite because they shoot into the sky straight and proud. Can’t get enough of them.

And the reason behind all the driving: we’re trying to find the perfect wedding venue. Apparently we’re kind of picky. Thank god our families love us.
Before I leave, I wanted to share a festive cocktail recipe I shot for Serious Eats that would be great to make tomorrow night. It’s from PDT, a bar whose appeal is heightened by the fact that it’s only accessible through a phone booth in the corner of a hot dog shop in the East Village. I’ve got to admit, there’s something kind of fun about slinking in to a hidden back room, even if the secret’s out. Anyway, they call this the Cranberry Cobbler, and you’ve got to make it with the ice pebbles. Then drink it, quick!

Get the recipe here.
My other favorite drink was the Winter Wassail, an ode to cider. It’s something you would savor, beside a blazing fire maybe. Or radiator. Or whatever.
And finally, dear readers, I just want to thank you all for a great year. This blog has definitely been a defining event of 2012, and I’ve loved all of it.
Happy New Year! See you in 2013.
Subscribe for New Racipies
Get mental health tips, updates, and resources delivered to your inbox.
Grandma Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Few things conjure up feelings of warmth and nostalgia like an Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie, a classic favorite that has been cherished in family gatherings for generations. This delicious dessert often brings to mind cozy family dinners, laughter around the table, and stories from the past.
What if you could recreate this mouthwatering delight, just like grandma used to make? Today, we’re going to do just that! This article will introduce you to Grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe that will bring you back to those beautiful memories of yesteryears.
Grandma’s Recipe
A Culinary Journey into the Past: We know that the best recipes are those that have stood the test of time, and grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie is a shining example. This delicacy is not just a pie; it’s a narrative of generations, woven with love, warmth, and of course, unbeatable flavors.

How Sweet Potato Pie Became a Classic?
Sweet potato pie is a Southern delicacy that has been loved for centuries. It’s believed to have originated from African-American culture during the era of slavery, as an alternative to the European-style pumpkin pie. Over the years, it has become a favorite, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe is a testament to this culinary tradition.
How to Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie?
Creating this nostalgic treat is a labor of love, as it involves careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own old-fashioned sweet potato pie, inspired by grandma’s recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
For the whipped cream (optional):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them using a potato masher or fork until smooth. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until the center is set and the pie is golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Serve the sweet potato pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie!
Note: This recipe is for a single 9-inch pie. If you want to make multiple pies, you can adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Conclusion
There you have it, Grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe! This isn’t just any dessert—it’s a piece of history, a comforting treat that carries the flavors of love, tradition, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this recipe will help you create a timeless delicacy that is sure to impress. From the aroma that fills your kitchen to the sweet, rich taste in every bite, you’ll see why this pie has been a cherished dessert for generations.
Remember, like any traditional recipe, you can add your own touch to this old-fashioned sweet potato pie. Maybe you’ll even start a new family tradition. We’d love to hear about your experience and how you made this recipe your own. So, put on your apron and get ready to enjoy the taste of tradition—happy baking!
Subscribe for New Racipies
Get mental health tips, updates, and resources delivered to your inbox.













