Sometimes I get in heated discussions (arguments?) about food. I don't mind them; disagreement is what makes the world go round, and I actually don't mind finding out that I'm wrong about something.

But then there's the pastry argument.  The discussion often begins innocuously enough, like, 'do you think this tarta is storebought?' or 'i'm not much of a sweet eater'. But somehow (and I swear it's not my fault!) it often ends up at the question 'which culture is King of the Sweet?'

And, sorry if this seems patriotic, it's not, but it's the United States.

As exhibit A, I would like to present one of my favorite pastries, the sweet potato cinnamon roll. Maybe you know what it is to eat a cinnamon roll hot out of the oven. Maybe you don't. But I swear to you that these are a world of their own. The rarity of a completely homemade cinnamon roll already puts these at an advantage, but the sweet potato gives the dough an edge, making the finished product shockingly tender.

It takes time, but most can be done the night before and it is soooo worth the wait.

Every aspect of these is perfect. When I can't get my hands on pecans, that American nut, I sub with walnuts. Rarely is a dessert so fun to make. Rolling up the dough around the filling, then slicing what you know will turn into the most delicious of breakfasts-it's so satisfying.

So, whoever wants to try to convince me that the USA doesn't have the best desserts and pastries can do so in the comments section.

I proudly present you a recipe that is not mine, but that I am honored to have grace the pages of this site: 

Southern Living's Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll