Sweet Potato Bread

Authentic Sweet Potato Bread Recipe from Haiti with Brown Sugar and Raisins

Region / culture: Haiti | Servings: 8

Introduction

Sweet Potato Bread is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of white sweet potatoes with warm spices and coconut milk to create a moist and flavorful bread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Sweet Potato Bread has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that have been used in a variety of dishes, including breads, pies, and puddings. This recipe combines traditional ingredients with modern flavors to create a unique and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut
1 large banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup brown sugar
0.5 cup seedless raisins
1 tsp grated ginger
0.25 tsp salt
12 oz (340 g) evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
rind of 1 lemon, grated
1.5 cups coconut milk
3 tsp butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Grate the sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl and mash the banana into the sweet potatoes.
Add all the ingredients (except 1 tbsp of brown sugar), mixing each ingredient one at a time until fully blended into the mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking pan and sprinkle the remaining 1 tbsp of brown sugar over the top of the pudding.
Bake for 1.5 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the bread for added texture and flavor.
Substitute maple syrup or honey for the brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Use almond or soy milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version of the bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to peel and cut the sweet potatoes and banana into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Grate the sweet potatoes and mash the banana well to create a smooth and creamy texture in the bread.

- Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

- Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the bread before baking to create a sweet and crunchy topping.

- Check the bread with a toothpick before removing it from the oven to ensure that it is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Potato Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Grate the sweet potatoes and mash the banana well to create a smooth and creamy texture in the bread.

- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

- Bake the bread in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular sweet potatoes instead of white sweet potatoes if desired.

- Substitute ground ginger for grated ginger if needed.

- Use regular milk instead of evaporated milk if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet Potato Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet Potato Bread on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet Potato Bread pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert. It can also be served with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Sweet Potato Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 25g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 150%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (evaporated milk and butter)

- May contain nuts (coconut milk)

Summary

Sweet Potato Bread is a rich source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. As we sat at her kitchen table sipping tea, she pulled out a well-worn recipe card from her collection and handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye.

"Darling, you simply must try this sweet potato bread recipe," she said, her voice full of excitement. "It's been in my family for generations, and it's always a hit at our holiday gatherings."

I studied the recipe card, taking in the handwritten instructions and the simple list of ingredients. Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, sweet potatoes, spices...it all seemed so straightforward. I thanked Mrs. Jenkins and tucked the card into my purse, promising to give it a try.

That evening, back in my own kitchen, I gathered the necessary ingredients and got to work. I boiled the sweet potatoes until they were soft and mashed them into a smooth puree. The warm, earthy scent filled the room, reminding me of cozy nights spent by the fireplace.

As I mixed the ingredients together, I thought about all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my mother and grandmother, while others were discovered in cookbooks or shared by friends. Each one told a story, a memory of a special moment or a beloved tradition.

The sweet potato bread baked in the oven, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. When it was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. I sliced a thick piece, slathered it with butter, and took a bite.

The bread was moist and dense, with a subtle sweetness that lingered on my tongue. The flavors of the sweet potatoes and spices blended perfectly, creating a harmony of taste that was both comforting and familiar. I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a staple in my own collection.

Over the years, I made the sweet potato bread for countless gatherings and special occasions. It never failed to impress, drawing compliments and requests for the recipe. I felt a sense of pride each time I shared it with others, knowing that I was passing on a bit of culinary magic from Mrs. Jenkins' family to mine.

As I grew older, my collection of recipes continued to expand. Some were scribbled on scraps of paper, others typed neatly on index cards. Each one had its own story, its own place in my heart. But the sweet potato bread recipe held a special significance, a reminder of a friendship that spanned decades and a bond that would never fade.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, surrounded by memories of a lifetime spent cooking and baking, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures that food brings. The act of creating something delicious and sharing it with loved ones is a joy like no other, a tradition that will endure long after I am gone.

And so, I pass on the recipe for sweet potato bread to my own grandchildren, hoping that they will find as much joy in making it as I have. May it bring them warmth and comfort, a taste of love and tradition that will always have a place in their hearts.