Fall is the time for digging sweet potatoes, which makes it the perfect time to cook and enjoy the delicious root vegetable, whether baked, in casseroles, cakes, pies or breads. Try this wonderful recipe for a tasty treat that’s sure to make you fall in love with Avoyelles sweet potato bread.

3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Oil
4 Eggs
3 ½ Cups Sifted All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 ½ Teaspoons Cinnamon
½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
½ Teaspoon Ginger
½ Teaspoon Salt
2/3 Cup Water
2 Cups Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 3 standard loaf pans. Mix sugar and oil well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg is added. Combine the flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Add flour mixture alternately with water to the sugar, oil and egg mixture. Mix well; add sweet potato, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla last and mix well. Pour about 3 cups of mixture into each of the 3 prepared pans. Bake for 1 hour. Cool completely on rack. Yield: 24 servings (8 slices per loaf pan).