SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Generously butter a 10-cup tube or bundt pan.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
• Set aside.
• In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
• Add the sugar gradually, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add the sweet potatoes and mix until thoroughly combined.
• Reduce the speed to low or switch to a wooden spoon and gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture in 3 additions, beating well after each addition.
• The batter should be stiff.
• Add the vanilla, pecans and, if desired, the coconut.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake until the cake tests done when a wire cake tester is inserted in the middle and comes out clean, 50 to 65 minutes.
• Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
• Invert the cake onto a plate and remove.
• Note: To cook sweet potatoes, peel and quarter potatoes, add to boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 20 minutes, depending on size- Drain and mash.