It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Tater Bread. I first had this when I enjoyed Thanksgiving with my first husband’s family many years ago. I had never had anything like it. It is sweet and a cross between a custard and a brownie. Its served along with the main meal – just like the cranberry sauce. I made it for myself every year thereafter until…aaaargh! I forgot the recipe.

I remembered most of the ingredients,but it never came out right. My kids kept asking why I never make it anymore. No one believes that I just forgot. Its like a cooking blackout. I’ve been so sad…

Every year around this time I do an internet search. Someone, somewhere must want to post the recipe for Tater Bread, right? Well, its my lucky year! Someone DID post the recipe! Yay! Thank you thank you thank you, Shirley McQueen and her Our Family Cookbook. Here is her personal note:

This is a dish that my Mother-in-law, Mrs. Letha McQueen, prepared for her grandchildren. It was a quick way to give them a treat, yet give them something wholesome when she baby sat. Mrs. McQueen, affectionately called “China” by her family and close friends, was a very quiet spiritual women. She passed away on March 21, 2007 at the age of 94. As the family recalled special memories and times, everyone agreed that they would miss her “tater bread”. As I never saw a recipe, but often observed her preparing this dish, this recipe included in this cookbook is my way to give honor to a “Special Women”. She was a honorable Mother, Grandmother, and Mother-in-law.

I am a happy girl. I was going to wing it again, and now I do not have to! Last year my son asked for some “Sweet Patagonia Pie.” He meant Tater Bread, but I forgave him. I did, however, do an internet search and it seems there is a town in South American called Patagonia. They are famous for their pies. However, it is a savory dish not a sweet one. Also last year my ex surprised all his kids by baking them each a sweet potato pie. But, again, it was not Tater Bread. I had even one year broken down and asked him for the recipe. He didn’t know what I was talking about. Men!

Turns out this not the recipe I remember. Maybe next time. I will try it with less butter, sugar, and egg.

Tater Bread

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 stick of butter
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 – 2 cups whole milk

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish with a little butter.

Boil the potatoes in their jackets until fork tender. While still warm, peel potatoes and mash with the butter. Stir in remaining ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Pour into prepared pan and bake, uncovered, until set, about 20 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes before serving.

Serves 6-8.