My southern heritage is one that I couldn't be more proud of. As a native of Birmingham, Alabama and raised in the south, I know without a doubt that I have experienced the BEST of the BEST in southern traditions.

From perfect fall football weather highlighted by scenic mountains to family gatherings that can occur at any time not just during the holidays, a myriad of festivities including the signature 'cookouts' have always been a staple shared by my closest family and friends. What better way to indulge in those staples than to fix several plates and enjoy your favorite foods. And not just enjoy any type of food, but GOOD food.

For so long sweet potato pie has been a part of that catered spread of good wholesome food, especially during the holiday season. Bonus if your mother or grandmother prepared it and it was fresh out the oven. Bigger Bonus if you cooled it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoyed it with a delicious slice of honey baked ham, for breakfast of course. Whatever way you choose to indulge in this famous southern comfort food, when prepared right, it will ALWAYS make you feel warm inside. As you take your first bite you tend to close your eyes, and in that moment nostalgia of your family traditions sets in on slow motion, and reflections captivate how good life really [STILL] is, even if its just for one moment. I thrive on preparing and savoring sweet potatoe pies with that nostalgic flavor in mind. A flavor that reminds me of home, my mother, grandmothers' and aunts' homes, fellowship hall meals after church and timeless family gatherings that are treasured by all traditions.

My Grandmother Clara and Aunt Gwenn officially taught me how to cook. I literally called them over to my apartment one evening and asked them to 'show me what you know.' I was ready and excited. From learning all the elements of homemade dressing and gravy (from scratch) to eventually perfecting scrumptuous macaroni and cheese among other southern staples and of course plenty of pies. Over the course of that evening and hundreds more cooking classes and sessions later, I eventually learned that preparing those dishes were about more than just the dish itself. It was about the constant love in our hearts that emanated in the careful preparation, thoughtfulness, consideration and physical presentation of joy and comfort.

Whenever I would fumble on a course of action when trying out a dish, my Grandmother Clara would say 'Baby, you tried. It's going to be good because you are preparing it with love.' It took me a minute to REALLY understand what my grandmother meant, yet her sentiments ring truest to this day in my creation of The Sweetest Gesture where it's about more than just my signature rendition of a sweet potato pie. It's about my sincerest attitude of heartfelt love, gratitude and adoration when I prepare them. It warms my heart in the deepest, most meaningful way when my family, friends and new customers savor the goodness in every bite of sweet potato pies and any dish or spread I may prepare.

My greatest desire is to share a sample of that same love with you. The Sweetest Gesture is about helping you pause with your first bite, followed by a moment of reflection to count the wholesome goodness of a beautiful life full of countless blessings, from the warmth of my heart filled with rich southern hospitality to your table.

Your's Truly!

Chiara

Founding Baker & CEO

The Sweetest Gesture, LLC