Peel and slice lengthwise four large sweet potatoes. Put into a covered saucepan with a tablespoon of butter, salt and pepper to season, and enough water to moisten. Steam until tender, drain, and put into a buttered baking-dish. Pour over one cupful of New Orleans molasses and bake until the molasses candies on the potatoes. Serve in the same dish.
The Myrtle Reed Cook Book, 1916