Sweet Potatoes The sweet potato, which is native to tropical America, is cultivated on sandy or loamy soils throughout many warm regions of the world, and exists as an important food staple in the southern United States. It is planted primarily for its thick, edible roots called sweet potatoes. Sometimes they are called yams. Grown in most family gardens, it is also a valuable money crop, ranking as the most valuable crop per acre of any vegetable grown in Mississippi. Several towns in Mississippi have festivals in its honor. Baked Sweet Potatoes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Ingredients 4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place sweet potatoes directly on oven rack or in a shallow backing pan. Bake for 45 minute to 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a fork. Servings: 4 Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients 2 lbs. mashed sweet potatoes 28 oz. sweetened condensed milk 4 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon rum extract 1 teaspoon nutmeg grated 2 pastry shells Directions Combine sweet potatoes, condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract and nutmeg in mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 3 or 4 minutes. Divide mixture equally between pastry shells and place on preheated sheet pans in pre-heated oven. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees. and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks for at least 1 hour before cutting. Portion: 4 ounces For more information on this Soup-to-Nuts dish, please contact Ms. Brenda Scott at Booneville Middle School in Booneville, Mississippi. To Soup-to-Nuts Entrees, Appetizers, & Desserts