The Hand-Me-Down Recipes Podcast

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In today’s episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m joined by John Browning, a kindred spirit I met at a local pie auction here in Montana. John shares the tender story of his family’s pie crust recipe — a tradition shaped by the hands of his mother and grandmother, perfected through summer berry picking, and lovingly upgraded with local ingredients and personal touches.We talk about the quiet joy of being in the kitchen, how food connects generations, and why the simple act of baking a pie can hold so much memory and meaning.Whether you’ve made hundreds of pies or are still unsure about rolling out dough, this episode invites you to slow down and savor the beauty of passed-down recipes and seasonal living.Mentioned in this episode:The Land to Hand Pie AuctionTips for upgrading your pie crust with local ingredientsHow leaf lard makes all the differenceWhy pie crust freezes beautifullyThe power of baking as an act of love and memoryLet this episode remind you that some of the sweetest traditions come wrapped in a bit of flour and a whole lot of love.Get the full recipes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-23/

Amy Casey joins me to share the story of her family's treasured pound cake recipe — a cake that's always on the pedestal, always ready to welcome guests.We talk about handwritten cookbooks, the magic of simple ingredients (yes, even Imperial margarine!), and why recipes passed down through generations hold a special kind of love.It’s a sweet reminder that simple food and family stories go hand in hand.For links & full show notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-20/

In this solo episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of sharing someone else’s family recipe, I’m sharing a rhythm I’ve been leaning into this winter—what I’m calling my season of soup.Soup has long been a comforting staple in my home: simple, frugal, adaptable, and always nourishing. It's the kind of food that doesn’t demand a recipe—just what’s in the pantry and a bit of time. This winter, I’ve committed to making one pot of soup each week and sharing it gently on social media, as a way to slow down, stay grounded, and feed ourselves well without fuss.In this episode, I talk about:Why soup feels just right for winterMy approach to seasonal, no-stress cookingHow soup can be a quiet act of rebellion against perfectionismInviting others to join in this weekly rhythm—no pressure, no perfection, just soupIf you’ve got a hand-me-down soup recipe or a story to share, I’d love to hear it. These are the kinds of traditions that warm more than just our bellies—they connect us to who we are and where we come from.Let’s make this a season of nourishment, one simmering pot at a time.Follow me on Instagram for the Monday soup recipes: https://www.instagram.com/handmedownrecipes/Join us on Substack: https://handmedownrecipespodcast.substack.com/

I’m joined by Dana Shrager of Dana’s Table to revisit a beloved dish from her childhood: salmon mousse. Known in her family as “the salmon ball,” this recipe was a staple at her mother’s dinner parties and comes from a well-loved, spiral-bound community cookbook—complete with handwritten notes and timeworn stains. We talk about the memories tied to that dish, the joy of discovering old recipes just as they were left, and how Dana has brought new life to it—turning it into a modern-day brunch favorite and crowd-pleasing appetizer. This isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about connection, creativity, and preserving family stories one bite at a time. Whether you're here for vintage recipes, holiday inspiration, or just love hearing about the deep ties between food and memory, you’ll feel right at home. For full episode notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-20/

This week on Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie is joined by Erin from The Speckled Palate for a deliciously nostalgic conversation all about potato chip cookies—a unique family recipe that’s salty, sweet, and full of love.Together they talk about the joy of baking during the holidays, the beauty of handed-down recipes, and how one special cookie made its way from grandma’s kitchen to a wedding in Portugal (and yes, it survived the flight!).If you’ve ever baked with your heart, shared cookies as a love language, or wondered if a cookie could hold a memory—this cozy episode is for you.In this episode:Erin’s grandmother’s famous potato chip cookie recipeWhy cookie tables at weddings matterTips for freezing, shipping, and gifting holiday cookiesThe Sweetest Season cookie exchangeSalty-sweet combos and baking with connectionGrab a warm drink, settle in, and join us as we celebrate the simple magic of holiday baking.For full notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-19/

What happens when a well-worn Betty Crocker cookbook, a beloved family recipe, and a major life decision all come together in one kitchen?In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Luci Petlack of Luci’s Morsels to talk about the coffee cake that ties generations together. Luci shares how this simple, cinnamon-laced recipe not only brings joy to her family’s table but also played a surprising role in her journey from academia to creative entrepreneurship.It’s a heartfelt conversation about letting go of “shoulds,” baking as therapy, and finding clarity—one streusel layer at a time.Whether you’re here for the cozy food stories, the honest life talk, or both, you’ll feel right at home.Get links & full show notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-18/

In this episode, Kathie talks with Violet from Right at Home about her family’s cherished Thanksgiving turkey recipe—rooted in Amish and Mennonite tradition and passed down through years of memory and practice. This turkey is deeply seasoned, slow-roasted, and surprisingly simple, relying on an abundant blend of herbs, a touch of curry, and thoughtful techniques that keep the meat juicy and flavorful.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by roasting a whole turkey, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded and prepared. We talk about planning ahead, why cutting slits in the meat matters, how to baste without stress, and the quiet joy of bringing heritage recipes to the holiday table.Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-17/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I'm joined by Anne Clark of My Kitchen Serenity to talk all things jambalaya. Anne shares the story behind her family’s beloved chicken and sausage version — a recipe she first scribbled down from her dad over 30 years ago.We dive into how she’s simplified this Cajun classic for busy home cooks, why it’s perfect for both holidays and weeknights, and the beauty of recipes that grow with us over time. Whether you’re new to jambalaya or looking for an easy, one-pot comfort meal, this episode is full of helpful tips and heartwarming reflections.Listen in for:Practical cooking tips (including the magic of not lifting the lid!)Spice level flexibilityIdeas for adapting the dish to what you have on handThe joy of passing down—and gently adapting—family recipesIt’s a delicious reminder that simple food can carry deep roots.Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-16/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic sits down with Christina from Christina’s Cucina to explore the beauty of peasant food through one of Italy’s most comforting classics — pasta e fagioli. Together, they talk about the magic of simple ingredients, how quality matters more than complexity, and why dishes like this endure for generations.From choosing the right beans and pasta to embracing authentic, budget-friendly cooking, this conversation celebrates everyday comfort and the timeless wisdom of home cooks who make the most of what they have.Perfect for anyone who loves Italian food, simple living, and recipes that feed both body and soul.Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-15/

In this heartfelt episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m joined by Silvia Martinez of Mama Latina Tips to explore the warmth, flavor, and family history behind her beloved green pozole with chicken — a traditional Mexican soup made with tomatillos, hominy, and love.We talk about the origins of pozole verde in Silvia’s home state of Guanajuato, how her family lightened the classic red pozole by swapping in chicken and a vibrant green salsa, and why this dish has become her “DNA recipe.” Silvia also shares practical tips for making pozole ahead, freezing leftovers, and customizing toppings to suit your taste.Whether you're looking for a frugal weeknight meal, a cozy fall soup, or a meaningful way to connect with family traditions, this episode invites you into the kitchen — and into Silvia’s story.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:What makes green pozole different from red pozoleThe secret to great flavor: tomatillos, oregano, and homemade brothHow Silvia's family simplified pozole for busy weeknightsTips for toppings, freezing, and making it your ownWhy pozole is more than a meal — it’s a memoryFind more info & get links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-14/

In this episode, Kathie is joined by Tiffany from Well Fed Baker to share the story of a cherished family recipe: her great-grandfather’s famous butter rolls. First baked in a small-town Idaho bakery in the 1930s, these buttery, yeasted rolls have been passed down through generations and are still a beloved treat at family gatherings today.We talk about:The origin and legacy of the butter roll recipeHow Tiffany learned to bake them alongside her grandmotherTips for working with rich yeasted doughFun new ideas (hello, rum-soaked dried fruit and chocolate frosting!)Whether you’re a nostalgic baker, a fan of vintage recipes, or someone who loves hearing how food connects us to family and place, this episode will warm your heart and maybe inspire you to bake a batch of your own.Get the recipe & other links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-13/

Kathie sits down with Anne Aslanides of The Default Cook to share the story of a beloved family recipe: her husband’s grandmother’s old-fashioned ginger snaps. This Depression-era cookie is made without eggs or butter, using just pantry staples like flour, spices, molasses, and lard—yet it bakes up perfectly crisp, snappy, and full of flavor.Together, they explore the quirks of handwritten recipe cards, tips for adapting old recipes in a modern kitchen, and the joy of baking as a family tradition. Along the way, they reflect on why these cookies still feel timeless and how food connects us across generations.If you love vintage recipes, seasonal baking, and cozy conversations about simple living, this episode is a sweet and spicy treat.Get links and notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-12/

In this heartwarming conversation, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Marcella Cantatore of Marcellina in Cucina to share the story behind her family’s treasured saffron risotto recipe. Passed down from her grandmother in Milan to her father in tropical North Queensland, this dish carries decades of tradition, adaptation, and love.Marcella shares how she learned to cook not from measuring cups, but by standing next to her dad—absorbing tips like “don’t let the onions go past ginger,” saving parmesan rinds for extra flavor, and adding a good knob of butter at the end. You’ll hear the history of adapting recipes when ingredients weren’t available, the secret to achieving risotto’s perfect wave-like texture, and creative ways to transform leftovers into a frittata.Whether you’re here for authentic Italian cooking inspiration, slow food stories, or simply the reminder that food can connect us deeply to our roots, this episode will leave you feeling both inspired and hungry.Get full show notes, recipe links & more: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-11/Find us on Substack: https://handmedownrecipespodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie is joined by Tina from Stretch and Folds to talk all things apple strudel—its rich tradition, regional twists, and why this humble dessert is the perfect slow-living kitchen project.From Tina’s Slovenian kitchen to Kathie’s Montana homestead, you’ll hear stories of family, culture, and recipes passed down through generations. They discuss:The cultural history of traditional Slovenian apple strudelHow strudel varies by region and season (yes, even zucchini strudel!)Tips for stretching strudel dough the old-fashioned way (with a floured bedsheet!)Using what you have—apples, cherries, cottage cheese, and moreWhy strudel making teaches patience and invites a slower pace in the kitchen"It’s the most humble ingredients made in the most magical way." – KathieWhether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or a new kitchen adventure, this episode is filled with heart, heritage, and helpful how-tos.Find more info & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-10/Subscribe and leave a review if you love exploring the stories behind traditional recipes and seasonal living.

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Padma from My Good Food World to share a beloved, three-generation Indian recipe made with bottle gourd (lauki).This simple, nourishing dish is rich in family history and tradition. Padma walks us through how her grandmother passed the recipe to her mother, who passed it to her along with very specific tips like never cooking the ginger!Whether you have access to bottle gourd or need to swap in zucchini, Padma offers practical advice for adapting the recipe while keeping its heart intact.We talk about:Cooking with bottle gourd and its substitutesUsing spices like mustard seeds and asafoetida for flavorThe beauty of simple, frugal, everyday foodHow leftovers become comforting soupWhy hand-me-down recipes connect us to our rootsThis is a gentle, encouraging conversation about seasonal cooking, honoring tradition, and savoring simple meals that nourish body and spirit.Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-9/

In this cozy episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Sharon Farnell of “Jawns I Cooked” to share a treasured family sloppy joe recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Rooted in simplicity and rich with flavor, this recipe dates back to the 1930s and remains a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.Sharon and Kathie chat about the importance of keeping things classic—like sticking to yellow mustard—and offer practical tips for customizing the dish with ingredients you have on hand, including budget-friendly swaps and plant-based options. They also share clever ways to use leftovers (sloppy joe pizza, anyone?) and reflect on the comfort that comes from cooking the way our grandmothers did.Whether you’re looking for a new staple meal or simply enjoy the stories behind beloved recipes, this episode is full of warmth, good humor, and encouragement to keep food simple and satisfying.Get links and more resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-8/Subscribe for more conversations about food, heritage, and seasonal living.

In this cozy and nostalgic episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic is joined by longtime friend Angi Schneider from Creative Simple Living to talk about a cherished family recipe: her grandmother’s bread and butter pickles.Together, they explore the story behind the recipe, how flavors like celery seed sparked childhood memories, and what it means to preserve food—and family history—with intention. They also share practical canning tips, ways to keep your pickles crisp, and why bread and butter pickles might just be the gateway to loving all pickles.Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned preserver, this episode will inspire you to honor your own kitchen traditions—and maybe even try something new.Full full notes and links : https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-7/

In this heartwarming episode, Kathie sits down with Anna Buchholz of Cooking the Books to chat all things Johnny Marzetti—a nostalgic casserole known by many names and loved by generations. They share family stories, favorite variations, and why this budget-friendly, cheese-laden pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food.Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a crowd, or stocking the freezer, this dish is simple, adaptable, and full of love. Expect practical tips, gentle laughs, and a reminder that some of the best meals don’t come from cookbooks—but from the women who raised us.“It’s the kind of recipe your grandma made without ever writing it down.”Get full show notes and links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-6/

In this heartwarming episode, Kathie is joined by Kate Doubler of Real Food RN to talk all about German potato dumplings — a simple, nostalgic dish that carries deep family roots. Together, they explore how a humble bowl of dumplings can become a powerful connection to heritage, memory, and seasonal comfort. From tips on using leftover mashed potatoes to making grain-free versions with cassava flour, this chat is packed with practical wisdom and cozy storytelling. Kate shares fond memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, how food brought her family together, and the little traditions she’s now passing on to her own children. Whether you’re looking for kitchen inspiration, a new way to enjoy winter meals, or just love stories that celebrate slow, intentional living — this episode is for you. Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-5/