The morning after my mother died a few months ago, my family and I were sitting around the table drinking coffee, still stunned, looking at our iPads and laptops, when one of my brothers said, “At least now Mom can go to Steve Jobs with all of her iPad questions.” We all burst out laughing. I still smile just thinking about it. We had a close relationship with our mother and embedded in that relationship was the job of answering her computer questions. Well, every year, a few days before Thanksgiving, I could expect an email from my mother that went like this, “Judy, could you send me the recipes?” I knew which ones they were: Mom’s Pumpkin Pie, Micky Kohn’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie, Grandma’s Cranberry Chutney and this one, Melissa’s Sweet Potato Casserole. Mom did not have a clue how to search her computer for them. In honor of Mom and to help my family get through the holidays, I plan to post the rest of Mom’s Thanksgiving recipes over the next few days. If there is a kitchen in heaven, she and Steve are by now best buds, and he’ll be stopping by her table that will be full of the family and friends who have gone before us. My brothers and I will be thankful we have her recipes and that we had the privilege of calling her Mom.
I’ve been making this sweet potato casserole every Thanksgiving since 1994 when my children’s fabulous babysitter, Melissa, first gave it to me. Little did I know I would be making it every Thanksgiving for the rest of my life.
Yield: serves 12 as a main side dish or 20 as one of many side dishes
Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries
Amazingly Delicious Sautéed Carrots
Auntie Martha’s Spicy Spinach (aka Spinach Madeleine)
LET’S STAY CONNECTED!
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© 2014-2017 Judy Wright. All rights reserved. Photos and text may only be used with written consent.
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You have such a beautiful way with words! Always love your blog and especially today with the tribute to your mother! Looking forward to the rest of your treasured recipes. Jane Clay
Thanks, JC. We’ve been sharing a lot of recipes over the years, haven’t we?! True blue friends. xo
Know I will be thinking of you and your family!
I need a pumpkin pie recipe. This is the first time in 30 years I have not posted Thanksgiving. I am going to a friends house. And we’re smoking two turkey breast and I have been asked to bring a pumpkin pie.
I wasn’t sure if you had posted it yet. Hope to see you in class Hugs Mary Helen
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Mary Helen, my favorite no-fail pumpkin pie recipe is on the blog under Mom’s Pumpkin Pie. Soon I’ll post my other favorite pumpkin pie, a cheesecake pie. It’s excellent. These are the two pies I make every Thanksgiving. Thank goodness for your Jazzercise classes or I would be a blimp!
True comfort food.
Thanks, Emme! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Love this story, Judy ! You were all so attentive to Auntie Mary , love that ! Can just hear her asking ….xoxoCarol
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Can’t you, though? I miss her. Thanks and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. xo
I can’t wait to try this! Love all versions of sweet potato casserole and still on search for the prefect one. Surprised it does not have cinnamon…..
Thanks, Meera. I like the taste of sweet potato, as is, unlike pumpkin which I think needs lots of spices to be flavorful. I would suggest trying it without cinnamon at first and if you think it needs it, add it the next time you make it.
Great event on dealing with the issue of hunger in Nashville, yesterday!
Mmmmm….marshmallow….
🙂 xoxoxoxo
Judy, will this freeze well, without the topping?
Good question. I would tend to doubt it. Better to bake it first, without the topping, and store in fridge. I cooked mine on Tuesday and 48 hours later, the leftovers are still delicious.
I have made this 3 times this year and love it! It is a crowd favorite! Thank you for sharing!
It’s a favorite for our family, too. I like that it has very little sugar. Thanks for writing!