No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a sweet potato pie—just ask Black-ish‘s Anthony Anderson. The actor has partnered with McCormick spices to share his beloved recipe, along with the #SpiceFactor challenge.
The Anderson family has a standing tradition of adding a hearty blend of flavors to their pies—including orange zest (later replaced with coriander,) nutmeg, cinnamon and more. “McCormick are the seasonings I grew up with,” Anderson said to Essence. “I’m very familiar and that’s what I use to this day.”
The necessary ingredients for the pie are likely ones that you already have in your home, like McCormick’s vanilla extract, eggs, milk, packed light brown sugar, and of course, three sweet potatoes, just to name a few. Anderson also suggests topping a slice off with some whipped cream.
Anderson also shared the concept of the #SpiceFactor challenge, saying, “I would make a sweet potato pie without the spices to prank the family.” He later added, “It’s gonna look like a sweet potato pie that we normally have and it’s gonna smell like it, because I’m cooking a real one, too.”
For the challenge, Anderson gave his nephew and cousin slices of pie without the signature spices to see if they could taste the difference. After they weighed in, Anderson shared the real pie with them, packed with all of the delicious flavors they’ve come to know and love.
The actor’s family typically gathers at his home for the holiday, where a family member would prepare a spread with staples like “turkey, ham, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese and greens.” This year though, they are adhering to social distancing guidelines in order to remain safe. Nevertheless, they’re keeping the spirit of holiday close to their hearts.
“[COVID-19 isn’t going to stop us from keeping the tradition and cooking in our individual homes for our immediate families,” Anderson said.
For the Andersons, gratitude, love and family is what matters most.
Watch the #SpiceFactor challenge video above and check out Anthony Anderson’s sweet potato pie recipe here.