Every holiday season, the humble sweet potato transforms into a delicious side dish, sometimes simple, sometimes decadent. The sweet potato (which is different than a yam, sorry Louisiana) is a tuber native to South America but it found its way to Europe and parts East once the New World explorations began. Gerard Paul, over at the fantastic site, ManyEats, has a fascinating history of the sweet potato here.
It's my favorite time of the year! Well, almost. I know many of you are groaning when I say that, but I say, bring on the leaves! Bring on the sweater weather! Let us carve up some gourds!
Much of this article (written by me!), originally appeared on Let Them Read Books.