I do believe every African-American mother knows how to make sweet potato pie, and if she has a son, he does too. Here is one I learned from mine.

Makes one 9-inch pie

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups water
• 1 stick (4 ounces) butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Place the potatoes in a saucepan covered with the water. bring to a boil and cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and soft. Drain and discard the water. While the potatoes are still hot, mash them with the butter and sugar. Let this mixture cool slightly, then add the beaten eggs along with the buttermilk and vanilla and combine well. Pour into the pie crust and bake for about 1 hour.