PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — Nestled among some of the world’s largest cruise ships is a family-owned BBQ joint featuring a bakery rich in tradition.
The menu at Ludz BBQ & Mattie's Bakery is inspired by Brenda Bernard's 92-year-old mom.
Bernard — also known as Li'l Mattie — is mom Mattie’s daughter.
“She taught me everything I know about baking,” Bernard says. “[Mom] didn’t realize I was actually paying attention versus going for my batter as a reward after her baking endeavors!”
She shared her family’s beloved sweet potato pie.
“I want to represent my county well and my hometown of Cocoa,” Bernard says.
Let’s cook!
Sweet Potato Pie — by Mattie’s Bakery, Port Canaveral
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Special blend of spices
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Preparation
- Bake sweet potatoes for 50 minutes, inserting a fork to test for tenderness.
- When tender, remove from the oven, and allow them to cool down slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, butter and milk.
- Add special blend of spices and vanilla extract.
- Whip on high speed to remove excess fiber, so the mixture is not lumpy, unless preferred that way.
- Pour the batter into a pie shell, and spread evenly.
- Bake until golden brown for 40-55 minutes, depending on your oven, at 350 degrees. The pie is done when you quickly touch the center and no pie sticks to your fingertips.