History and origin of Sweet Potato Pone
Sweet Potato Pone is a traditional dessert with its roots in the African American cultures of the southeastern United States, especially in the Carolinas and Georgia. This dish is part of family celebrations and gatherings and is very popular during the fall and winter holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its name comes from the main ingredient, the sweet potato, and the word "pone," which in African American culture refers to a baked cake or pudding.
In other Latin American countries, dishes similar to this dessert can be found, although under different names and with slight variations in ingredients. For example, in Mexico, you can find sweet potato candies, although they are not as spiced or baked in the same way. In Venezuela and Colombia, sweet potatoes are used in various sweet preparations, although the term "pone" is not commonly used. The richness of this recipe lies in its mixture of spicy flavors and the smooth texture provided by the cooked sweet potato.
How to prepare Sweet Potato Pone
Sweet Potato Pone is a delicious and flavorful dessert that combines the creamy texture of sweet potato with the aroma of spices and the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar. Below, we explain how to make it step by step.
Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, dark brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, light molasses, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest.
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
Cook the unpeeled potatoes until tender on the inside.
Let them cool.
Peel and mash the potatoes, then incorporate the melted butter.
In a bowl, beat the eggs, add the sugar, and beat well.
Add the milk, vanilla, molasses, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest.
Beat until well mixed.
Incorporate into the mashed sweet potatoes, then mix until well integrated.
Place the mixture in a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
Optionally, you can sprinkle the top of the pone with additional brown sugar.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.
Let the pone cool completely before serving.