Sweet Potato Pie

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash sweet potatoes and pierce several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until very tender when pierced with a knife. Let cool until comfortable to handle.
2. Prepare the pie crust
   While sweet potatoes are baking, prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. If using store-bought, follow package instructions for pre-baking. If homemade, refrigerate until ready to fill. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) after sweet potatoes are done.
3. Make the filling
   Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher until smooth. Add softened butter and mix until incorporated. Add sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and all spices. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and uniform.
4. Fill and bake the pie
   Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly (like gelatin). The filling should not be liquid but shouldn't be completely firm either.
5. Cool and serve
   Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, at least 2 hours. The pie will continue to set as it cools. Refrigerate if not serving within a few hours. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, with whipped cream if desired.