Southern Sweet Potato Pudding

If desired, spoon about 1/3 cup bourbon over pudding just before serving, or top with 2/3 cup miniature marshmallows and bake 5 minutes longer to melt marshmallows.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups grated sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup lightly toasted chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine

Instructions

1. In bowl, combine sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Blend well.
2. Stir in almonds and orange peel.
3. Spoon into buttered 2 quart shallow baking dish. Dot with butter.
4. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours or until pudding is set.
5. Serve hot with country ham or roasted chicken.