Melba Wilson describes sweet potato pie as a sacred Southern dessert, distinct from pumpkin pie and deeply tied to African American heritage, with sweet potatoes evoking memories of West African yams. The recipe, passed down from her grandmother, features a homemade crust and a creamy filling made from boiled sweet potatoes, butter, vanilla, spices, eggs, condensed milk, and sugar. The pie is baked until firm and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, plain or with whipped cream or ice cream, making it a beloved comfort food for any occasion.