By the Rev. Tony Marciano
Growing up in the North in a very Italian community, I learned that we eat macaroni (not pasta) three times a week. We only bought Ronzoni brand macaroni. The red stuff that went on top of the macaroni was called gravy and not sauce. My mother never bought a jar of Ragu in her life. The meal included meatballs and sausage. I had never eaten fried chicken until I came to the South. I never saw a collard green in my life while living in New Jersey. I thought a sweet potato was eaten like a baked potato.
Fast forward and my middle child married a wonderful Southern gal. She is a delight and a joy to the family. She also had to educate us on Southern living.
At her first Thanksgiving meal with us, she brought a sweet potato casserole. Trying to be nice, we thanked her and told her we would put it with the other desserts. In true Southern style, she explained that sweet potato casserole was a side similar to string beans or mashed potatoes. We were confused because she also brought a sweet potato pie. Why would you bring two of the same? Should my son really marry her? We were concerned. Once again, she explained you do not eat sweet potato pie as a side. It’s a dessert. You also do not eat sweet potato casserole as a dessert. It is a side. The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.
Needless to say, we were confused. Our brains began to hurt. We silently wished for the familiar foods of the North where no one ever saw a sweet potato anything on Thanksgiving. Those were simpler times. But we didn’t live in New Jersey any longer.
Let me ask you a question. What’s the difference between god and God? That’s easy; one is spelled with a capital “G” and the other with a lower case “G.” What else?
When I think of “god,” I think of a “good orderly direction.” When I think of “God,” I think of what we, as Christ-followers celebrate at Christmas, God made flesh. One is about morality and the other is an encounter with the living God.
So, I need your help. Can I eat sweet potato casserole as a dessert or is it only to be eaten with the turkey?
I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Visit www.charlotterescuemission.org for details.
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FAQs
The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.
Which is healthier sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie? ›
However, if you place the two in a side-by-side comparison, sweet potato generally outpaces pumpkin in its nutritional makeup from vitamin A to fiber to protein. While pumpkin is a light, low sugar option, sweet potatoes do more heavy lifting and will ultimately feed your body more essential nutrients.
Why is sweet potato casserole a thing? ›
And thanks to Saveur, we now know that the first recipe for mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows dates to 1917—and it was developed as a result of the Rueckheim brothers' marshmallow corporation trying to boost sales.
What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yam pies? ›
From a culinary perspective, the biggest difference between sweet potatoes and yams becomes more apparent when they are cooked. Yams are starchy and dry, but sweet potatoes are fluffier and the right consistency for this rich autumn tart.
Can you tell the difference between pumpkin and sweet potato pie? ›
Though the pies are usually made in the same way with eggs, cream or evaporated milk, and pie spices, sweet potato pie tends to be lighter, airier, and well, sweeter. Sure, you could swap sweet potatoes for pumpkin cup-for-cup in your favorite pumpkin pie recipe, but pumpkin is lower in sugar.
Can Type 2 diabetics eat sweet potato pie? ›
Try out this exceptional sweet potato pie recipe. Not only is it diabetes-friendly, but it's downright delicious! Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If using fresh sweet potatoes, stab with a fork several times and microwave for 4 minutes.
What is the healthiest pie in the world? ›
But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber and potassium, and it has less added sugar. So what's a pie aficionado to do? Well, if you want to consume fewer calories, go for the pumpkin—it almost always has fewer because of the single crust. You could also take a sliver of both pies.
Why add eggs to sweet potato casserole? ›
The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.
Why do African Americans eat sweet potato pie? ›
Cooking was a task delegated to enslaved African-Americans, and thus their knowledge of sweet potatoes began. Understanding that the pumpkin took up favor in the Northern states and, due to its profitable yield in Autumn, became widely associated with Thanksgiving by the late 19th century.
Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›
You may not want to substitute true yams in your Candied Yams recipe since their flavor isn't the same as the sweet potatoes in the dish. They can be substituted for sweet potatoes in more savory dishes.
Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.
Which is better for weight loss, sweet potato or white potato? ›
Weight Loss Because of High Fibre Content of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which might aid in weight loss and belly fat reduction. Sweet potatoes' high fiber content makes you feel 'full' after a meal, which helps you keep to a calorie-restricted diet.
Does sweet potato pie taste like pumpkin pie? ›
Despite the similarities, there are notable differences. For instance, The Great Bake states that sweet potato pie typically has a lighter filling, coarser texture and sweeter taste, whereas pumpkin pie is denser and has more spices.
Why is sweet potato pie so good? ›
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla
Vanilla extract and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are responsible for the cozy flavor that you likely associate with sweet potato pie. For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of ginger or allspice.
Which pie is healthier pumpkin or sweet potato? ›
Pumpkin Pies
Using the right ingredients, you can make a mouthwatering pumpkin pie. Additionally, they contain less sugar and calories than sweet potato pie. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low-calorie option.
Is pumpkin pie the healthiest pie? ›
The pumpkin pie wins on calories, saturated fat, protein and calcium. But the apple pie takes the cake when it comes to fiber, sugar (both total and added) and sodium.
What has less carbs, sweet potato or pumpkin? ›
It's carbs where the difference lies. Potatoes have the most carbs at 20 grams per 100 gram serving. Sweet potato has 17-18 grams, and pumpkin has just shy of five, which is why it's so low-calorie.
Which sweet potato is the healthiest? ›
Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are richest in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant “phyto” chemicals that give vegetables their bright colors.
Is sweet potato good or bad for you? ›
Sweet potatoes are a staple food in many regions because they are rich in fiber, vitamins, potassium, proteins, and essential nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants that boost immunity and protect the health of essential organs, such as the heart and kidneys. They are also low in calories.
