Harvest Sweet Potato Loaf Recipe + Baby Announcement

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Stop Motion Photography by Haley Sheffield | http://haleysheffield.com/ Hey Good Lookin' by Johnny Cash

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We have thoroughly enjoyed the temperature change here in Atlanta... and hope it's here to stay. To welcome Autumn in all it's glory we'd like to share the perfect hearty, wholesome (and tasty) quick bread. We adapted this recipe from the Piece of Cake'sGolden Pumpkin Loaf.

Did you watch the video?!? No, it's not a cooking tutorial, but rather a personal announcement we are pretty stoked about. Our dear friend, and talented photographer came to our house to photograph the stop motion.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour

  • 3/4 cup Yellow Cornmeal

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated

  • 3 Large Eggs

  • 1-1/4 Dark Brown Sugar, packed

  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

  • 1 1/2 cups Baked Sweet Potato Puree

  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

  • 6 tablespoons Grapeseed Oil

  • 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries

  • 1/4 cup Dried Currants

  • 1/4 cup Dried Raisins

  • 1 cup Pecans, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

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Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9x5 loaf pan and line the 2 long sides and bottom with parchment paper. Mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in medium bowl, using a hand whisk. Set Aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs and both sugars on medium-high speed until creamy and thick, for about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed, the add the pureed sweet potato, vanilla, and oil and continue mixing until smooth. On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients a little at a time, mixing only until the flour just disappears.

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Remove the bowl from the mixer, scrape the bowl up from the bottom and fold in dried fruit and nuts. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the loaf is well browned and a small knife emerges clean from the center. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before releasing it to cool completely on a wire rack. Enjoy!

Photos by the Photography of Haley Sheffield

Ode to Autumn

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As a chef I aspire to provide wholesome meals. Homespun has become one of my outlets to do so...from the food that we source, to the preparation and techniques used. I try to bring the meal to life, while ensuring each guests leaves full and nourished.

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For our Ode to Autumn dinner held in late September I had challenged myself to follow the Whole30 program while preparing the meal. I enjoyed having set parameters, and allowing the season’s availability to direct my focus. I found that in these guidelines my creativity was stretched in new ways. The menu was as follows:

BEET + ARUGULA SALAD Moonglow Pears, Golden Pickled Beets, Toasted Pecans with Onion-Pear Vinaigrette

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PEPPERCORN CRUSTED PORK LOIN Sweet Potato Puree, Roasted Onions + Kale

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BRAISED CABBAGE, AFRICAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH + GALA APPLES with Fresh Basil philsanders_homespun_low-res-9547

FARM-FRESH BRAISED GREENS with Pickled Swiss Chard + Roasted Garlic

ROASTED CARROTS, GREEN BEANS, QUEEN SCARLET TURNIPS + SHIITAKE philsanders_homespun_low-res-9583

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The menu was full of healthy goodness sourced from our local markets. Also I had the privilege to cook for one the farmers from whom I sourced shiitake mushrooms. Jonathan and his family run Abundant Harvest, and provide delectable produce at several markets around metro Atlanta. He is also one of my go-to farmers we use for our meals.

One of the benefits of cooking straightforward with local produce is the flavor. Using fresh, locally grown food gives me the peace of mind and confidence while preparing meals for the guest around the table.  For one, I know how fresh it is. Second of all, I know where and whom I am getting it from.  The meal was organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and delicious. Yes, you heard me correctly...even the guest assured me that everything tasted great.

Cooking and eating clean may take a bit more effort. After experiencing it, we quickly grow to appreciate going back to its humble beginnings.

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LOCALLY SOURCED Morningside Market: Woodland Gardens, Crystal Organic Farm, D+ A Farm, Cimino Farm Peachtree Road Farmers Market: Abundant Harvest Niman Ranch

Photo Credit: Phil Sanders | Styling: Blue Eyed Yonder | Foliage: Lindsay Coletta Designs