CHRISTMAS SWEET POTATO PUDDING

WANDA WATTS was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, but now lives in Springfield, Tennessee. Her Mammy, LUCY ADAMS REYNOLDS (also from Springfield), passed away in 1973. She was born in Celina, Tennessee (Clay County), and married Tom Reynolds on January 17, 1920. Mammy had a green thumb, growing the most beautiful flowers—she was always taking bouquets to family, friends, and anyone who needed cheering up. Ladies came to Mammy’s home from all over the county to get flower cuttings from her and to get advice on how to grow certain types of flowers.

Vegetable shortening to prepare dish

1 cup whole milk

3 cups cooked sweet potatoes cut into small pieces

1 ½ cups sugar

½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon allspice

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

2 Pour the milk into a large bowl. Grate the potatoes into the milk. Add the sugar, butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice and blend with a hand mixer. Transfer to the dish and bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes or until firm.

MAKES 6 SERVINGS.