"I've always been a fan of pumpkin pie.  It's my favorite dessert during Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, there's another holiday pie that many people prefer.  Maybe it's time I give it a try.  

I stopped in at Cafe 7-10 in Erie to learn all I can about the special treat that is sweet potato pie.  It looks like pumpkin pie, but those who love sweet potato pie would choose it over pumpkin pie every time. Mabel Howard and her mother Thelma Mae Blanks-Howard own Cafe 7-10 and sell sweet potato pie.

"John, you're missing out if you haven't tried this Southern delight,” said Mabel.  “It's something that's part of the African-American culture and we typically have it for holidays when there's something special happening.  Some people request sweet potato pie as their birthday cake."   

Thelma Mae bakes the pies that are sold at the cafe. She likes the fact that a sweet potato has a naturally sweet taste.  A pumpkin?  Well, it's kind of bland.

"Pumpkin is something you have to have a taste for.  Whereas sweet potatoes, you put butter on it, you're done. You don't even need sugar.  Just put butter on it and you're done,” says Thelma Mae.  

Sweet potato pie does include spices. Thelma Mae does not use ginger, an ingredient usually found in pumpkin pie.  She uses cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon flavoring.  Her secret is how much to use.  She's not giving that out.

"You know, in African-American families, you have to watch because they don't give you recipes.  You have to watch and observe what they do. If you turn your head one second, you missed it,” says Thelma Mae.

Mabel says she prefers sweet potato pie over pumpkin.

"I love the texture of it. I love the seasonings that go into it.  It's a little bit more heavy than a pumpkin pie the way my mom makes it.  And it's just so yummy,’ she said.

Oh yes, Thelma Mae uses fresh sweet potatoes, not the stuff from a can. She says it's important to get sweet potatoes that are not stringy.  My gosh!  Sweet potato pie sure sounds delicious.

“John, you just gotta taste it or you're not going to know,” said Thelma Mae.

All it took was one bite.  I think I've been converted to sweet potato pie.

If you would like to try Thelma Mae's sweet potato pie this Christmas, Cafe-7-10 will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:10 p.m.  By the way, the cafe does not sell pumpkin pie.