Family Tree Food Stories

"I'm not a bad cook—I just don't cook!" Can a Self-Proclaimed Non-Cook Create Meaningful Mealtime Traditions?What does a wedding gift of handwritten recipes, family memories, and a self-proclaimed non-cook have in common? In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely share these details and more with Meredith Plant.This episode shares how our recollections of the past can help us find new strength and joy. Yes, you can even meditate on a recipe you want to add to our personal collection.Meredith shares how her interests led her to put her touch on her own My Family Tree, Food & Stories book.   From her British grandmother’s authentic scones to the handwritten recipes she treasures from her mom and mother-in-law, Meredith shared her deep emotional connection between food memories and family history. She also recounts humorous moments, like her go-to potluck dishes, her holiday-hosting adventures, and her knack for signing up for paper products instead of cooking.This episode celebrates the sentimental power of handwritten recipes that help us preserve stories, connect across generations, and find peace in reflection. Whether you’re a gourmet chef, a casual cook, or someone who loves a good story, Meredith’s journey will inspire you to think differently about the meals and memories that shape your life.Tune in for:❤️ The value of handwritten recipes and food memories❤️ Reflections on British traditions (including real scones!)❤️ Meredith’s humorous take on navigating the kitchen❤️ Why preserving family stories matters more than perfect cookingGrab your favorite snack and listen in as we prove that every meal truly has a story!Yes, even if you’re a non-cook, you can create a new and lasting memory in the kitchen, by a campfire, or at the table.   Listen now, and share your story of how food brings your family together—no cooking skills are required! Please also leave us a review with your thoughts and ideas for new stories and episodes. Want to hear more: ✨Click here to listen to all Family Tree Food & Stories episodes! Where every meal has a story, and every story is a feast.Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail messageAdditional Links ❤️Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on Amazona...

02-20

28:23

Dive into a decadent world of desire as Family Tree, Food & Stories hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely unwrap the mysteries behind Valentine's Day's most seductive treats. Join chocolate expert Norma Taylor as she reveals how to get thousands of chocolate-covered strawberries out to lusting customers.Nancy and Sylvia dive under the covers to reveal some interesting and lesser-known history and traditions of how those silk heart-shaped chocolate boxes even include a little black lace. Remember those innocent candy conversation hearts?  Perhaps they were the precursor to modern-day text messaging.  What do you think? This episode is packed with a lot of fun, interesting stories, and a few tantalized revelations about legendary aphrodisiacs, including:❤️ The truth behind chocolate's reputation as a love potion❤️ Which legendary lover consumed 80 oysters daily for more passionate nights❤️ The surprising connection between bananas and bees❤️ Why strawberries became Venus's chosen fruit❤️ The hidden meaning of avocados in ancient culture❤️ Which romantic edible now commands a shocking $100 per dozen❤️ The sweet secrets of honey's role in matters of the heartThis episode serves more than just chocolate and champagne — it's a feast of fascinating food history, romantic traditions, and delicious discoveries that will forever change how you think about Valentine's treats.Ready to spice up your Valentine's Day knowledge? Listen now, and don't forget to follow us for more fun, interesting, historic, and delicious stories about food, family, and tradition. Share your food romance tales with us—we'd love to feature them in future episodes. Or reach out to us at: https://podcast.familytreefoodstories.com/contact/ Want to hear more: ✨Click here to listen to all Family Tree Food & Stories episodes! Where every meal has a story, and every story is a feast.Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail messageAdditional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and a...

02-13

32:49

One Waitress, One Microphone, a Whole Lot of Regret, and a Story That Became a Family Legend.This true Family Tree, Food Story begins with a simple radio interview that soon spirals into a chaotic comedy of errors. Here, your Co-Host Sylvia Lovely recounts a college indiscretion that involved a local Moorhead restaurant and a disastrous on-air performance that threatened a financial loss and derailment of her boyfriend's career (and possibly their relationship forever!).What started as a seemingly harmless attempt to help her then-boyfriend, Bernie, a struggling radio host, takes an unexpected turn, leaving Sylvia facing a crisis of disastrous proportions. Hear the story of a fateful day, a disgusting apron stain, and how events unfold, and that will leave you wondering: Will Sylvia save the day, or will this be a story she'll forever regret? Tune in to uncover the truth, how we can all relate to college blunders, and the lasting power of a good food, friend, and even financial story.💫Tell Us Your Story! Do you have a story to share about your own mishaps?  We'd love to hear from you. It's easy, just send us a note at https://podcast.familytreefoodstories.com/contact/ You can also leave us a Voice Message, just click the link and start talking. Want to hear more: ✨Click here to listen to all Family Tree Food & Stories episodes! Where every meal has a story, and every story is a feast.Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail messageAdditional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO,...

02-06

06:02

How Our Hunt For The BEST Cake Keeps Us on The Road!🥕 What if a single bite could change your life? In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, you’re invited to join Nancy and Bob on a 36-year quest to rediscover the flavor that made their wedding day even more sweet.  A delicious and magical carrot cake from a special bakery in Fairfield, Connecticut, their quest to recreate that perfect bite has taken them from New York to Florida, California to Canada, and beyond.  Their quest has done more than taking these two on shunpike road trips.  It’s introduced them to new friends, bakeries, and countless delicious moments.Will you be the one to help them find the perfect carrot cake? Grab a fork and dive in because sometimes, the journey really is as good as the destination. 🥕Share carrot cake finds with us at podcast.familytreefoodstories.com/voicemail or on Facebook.   Share your story with Nancy & Sylvia:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might just find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal.  #carrotcake #weddingday #weddingcake #roadtrip #newlyweds #foodquest #story @familytreefoodstories

01-30

06:52

How a Glass of Wine and a Cold Night in a Bar Became One of This Mom’s Favorite Story.This Family Tree Food & Stories episode is a delightful blend of humor and fun reflection as Sylvia recounts an unforgettable night in Duluth, Minnesota. What starts as a simple mother-son bonding watching the “big game” at a local bar turns into an unexpected tale of personal embarrassment and triumph.With a mix of wit and warmth, Sylvia shares how even the most humiliating moments can become one of those stories you will want to tell over and over again — and why she (and you should) refuse to let guilt hold you back from sharing your wildest stories.  Sometimes, the most awkward moments make for the best-shared laughs around the table.What You'll Learn and Enjoy:How Humor Helps Everyone: Sylvia’s blend of self-deprecating humor and sharp wit makes this story an instant classic.Lessons in Mother-Son Dynamics: How a mom can still publicly embarrass her adult son and learn to laugh about it for years thereafter. The Power of Embarrassment: How the most awkward moments can turn into treasured tales worth sharing.A Dash of Culinary Nostalgia: A nod to the meals and snacks that shaped our childhoods and their lasting impact on family traditions.📌 Who Should Tune In?This episode is perfect for listeners who love a good laugh, enjoy heartfelt family stories, and appreciate how food and memories intertwine to create lasting bonds. Whether you’re a parent, a foodie, or someone who’s ever been “too sleepy for your own good,” you’ll find something to love in this episode.✨ Catch the latest episode of Family Tree Food & Stories! Every recipe has a story, and every story is a feast.💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail messageAdditional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that...

01-23

12:28

What Might be Cooking at President Trump's Inaugural Ball? Lessons from presidential plates past and present.🎙️In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely dish up a banquet of stories and foods that have graced inaugural balls throughout U.S. history. From George Washington’s solitary dining to Lincoln's midnight chaos, this episode reveals how these menus reflect presidential personalities, American culture, and even our own family mealtime tastes. You'll learn about the quirks of Chester Arthur’s Rhode Island eel, Dolly Madison’s introduction of fancy ice cream, and even how turtle steaks were served up. Nancy and Sylvia have had the privilege of attending an Inaugural Ball, and dish out humor, personal stories, and surprising food facts from those tables.Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or curious listener, or avid politician, this episode offers a delicious dive into presidential traditions and gastronomic adventures.🍴 Interesting Learning Points Include:The historical significance of inaugural menus and what they reveal about American culture.Culinary milestones, the introduction of ice cream, and French cuisine influence.The evolution of presidential preferences, from turtle soup to sliders.How inaugural events have mirrored societal and political changes over time.The personal reflections of the hosts on inaugural experiences and their humorous takes on modern menu choices.💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food,...

01-16

28:03

How a pre-colonoscopy walk turned into a wild surprise and a mysterious roast thief!📌In this next episode of Family Tree Food & Stories - What do you get when you mix a colonoscopy prep, an overexcited Goldendoodle, and a "found"three-pound beef roast in the middle of a walking trail? It's a story that’s almost too wild to believe! In this episode, Co-Host Sylvia Lovely recounts a chaotic journey to wrestle a juicy roast from her dog’s jaws—all while enduring the delightful side effects of her “prep.” Honestly, this one still offers a good laugh and some peanut butter to the rescue at just the right moment. It's not what you think! Tune in for the ultimate reminder that sometimes the most mundane food experiences can become unforgettable stories. This is one example of how to turn an experience into something you'll laugh about at the dinner table with family and friends for years. It is undoubtedly worthy of a good roast recipe, too.💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.#familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #goldendoodle #hiking #roastbeef #peanutbutter #familytreepodcast #mysterymeat #colonoscopyprep #foodies

01-09

07:26

Could There be Gold in that Pork Roast and Doom in the Chicken? New Year's Foods to eat for an extra plateful of good luck. Welcome to 2025! In this special New Year’s edition of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely kick off the year with some quirky traditions.🎉 Did you know eating chicken 🐔 on New Year’s could potentially give you a bowl of bad luck? Or that a sauerkraut shred might be the key to riches? In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, we're spilling the beans (and the sauerkraut) on bizarre New Year’s food superstitions that might get you to reconsider your midnight menu.But don’t worry—there’s also some good luck on the horizon or in the kitchen! And what's a New Year's celebration without fireworks or a fire? . . seriously! This one includes that old and stale gingerbread house collecting dust on your island countertop. There's a lot more in store in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, so grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us for an entertaining end to 2024 and a delicious start, one story, one laugh, and one lucky bite at a time to 2025. 💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories...

01-02

26:56

How to Eat Your Christmas Tree and Create a Deliciously Unusual Holiday Tradition 🎄What do you do with a leftover Christmas tree? Toss it? Compost it? Nope—how about eating it? Yes, you heard that right! In this Family Tree, Food & Stories episode, we’re setting the table with a new way to turn your bedazzled Christmas tree into a gourmet treat.From sweet pine syrups to pine needle tea, baking with your tree's bark (and a treat you can bite), and even pine-infused ice cream, Nancy May, co-host of Family Tree, Food & Stories explains how to create an unforgettable—and even new eco-friendly—family tradition.You might think eating your Christmas tree is a bit weird, but your new gastronomic adventure will be the ultimate conversation starter for next year’s Christmas table or even at your New Year's celebration.Join us for laughter, recipes, and maybe even a new holiday tradition that will keep your family talking for generations. After all, wouldn’t it be fun to say, “Remember when Aunt Nancy made us eat the tree?”🌟 Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make your Christmas leftovers a story worth sharing!💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.#familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #christmasdinner #christmasstories #holidayfoods...

12-26

14:14

From Stinky Food Stuck in a Tree to Finger Licking Christmas Traditions in Japan: This holiday episode will have you asking for a second helping.🎄✨What’s the story behind the quirky German Christmas pickle? And why do families in Japan celebrate the holidays by licking their fingers? Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Sylvia Lovely as they dive into the heart (and stomach) of Christmas and family food traditions in this holiday episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories.In this show, they share everything from Martha Stewart-inspired table settings to Southern comfort recipes. Have you ever tried a traditional German Stollen for breakfast? It’s one of Nancy's Christmas morning favorites.Get ready for some friendly debates—because fruitcake is on the table (literally) as Sylvia shares her love-hate relationship with this infamous holiday staple. But this episode isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about creating new and delicious memories and traditions for you and your family. What are your family’s food traditions? Are you preserving them for future generations? Nancy and Sylvia will inspire you with tips on capturing your own family’s food stories, plus a special holiday gift idea that foodies and family historians will adore, and a recipe for Santa's Secret Flying Sauce!Hit play and let us bring a little magic to your holiday season—one recipe and story at a time! 🎄✨💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.#familytreefoodstories, #familystories #familymeals #family #christmasdinner #christmasstories #holidayfoods #holidaytraditions #fruitcake #christmaspicklke

12-19

24:51

What happens when a small-town girl becomes a college Freshman with ambitions? This episode is one every parent, and Freshman will learn from!In this episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, join co-host Sylvia Lovely as she recounts a pivotal moment in her life that intertwines ambition, family expectations, and an unforgettable dining experience. Raised in a humble background where college wasn't even on the radar, Sylvia's sudden declaration to pursue higher education led her to Moorhead State University. However, a seemingly simple luncheon turns into a memorable lesson in social graces when Sylvia encounters a dining dilemma that leaves everyone at the table in silent amusement. Discover how this hilarious and heartwarming story of a girl navigating her way through new experiences highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Listen in to discover how a waitress's mentioned menu option becomes a cherished memory, reflecting the universal power of food to connect us all.Key Learning Points:Overcoming familial and societal expectations and pursuit of higher education.The humorous side of navigating new social situations.The cultural significance of food in shaping and recalling personal memories.The power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow and learn.The importance of supportive communities in personal development.Family Tree Food & Stories 🎙️🍲❤️ is a heartwarming podcast that dives into the profound connections we have with food, family, and those treasured memories. Each episode shares the personal stories of recipes, traditions, and stories created just last week or passed down through generations. You'll laugh 😂, cry 😢, and crave more delicious moments 😋 as your hosts, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, celebrate the power of food and moments that shape our identities and strengthen our bonds with family and friends. Join us every week for uplifting tales that will leave you hungry for more of what happens next. Pull up a chair and enjoy the journey! 🍽️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨#FamilyTreeFoodStories #NewPodcast #BookRelease #storytelling #storytellingpodcast #podcast #sharedmeals #foodstories #familytime #foodies #cherishedmemories #collegejourney #familyexpectations #humorousstories #foodmemories #diningdilemmas #highereducation #lifelessons #personalgrowth #overcomingobsticles #inspirationalpodcast #hardships #collegememories #growingupstories #familysupport #podcastsummaries #podcastfamily #podcast

12-12

05:30

What's the best way to make pasta? It's all in the drying.🍷🍝What do an old kitchen table, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a lucky (and we mean lucky) pig have in common? They’re all part of this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, where Nancy May and show guest Bobby Hedglin-Taylor, a man of many hats, dive into some rich country Italian family-food stories rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania. Nancy and Bobby share some preview moments from his forthcoming book  “Escape to Ravioli Mountain: A Memoir in Food.”  Bobby’s experience in the kitchen with his grandmother proves how our culinary experiences shape our identities and connect our past to the future. 🎧 Why You Can't Miss This Episode: Learn about a surprisingly intelligent pig who changed one family's perspective on their farm animals foreverSit in the stories of an Italian grandmother's kitchen, where handmade pasta-making secrets were passed down between generations.Discover the interesting connection between coal miners and pepperoni rolls and how immigrant families adapted their food traditions to survive in America.Whether you’re a food lover or simply looking for inspiration and a better way to make homemade pasta, this episode will encourage you to sit by a warm fire during a cold winter evening and recount your own collection of delicious food and family stories.  💫Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories...

12-05

22:37

What happens when a fake waitress, a wannabe on-air actress, tries to save the day? 🤦‍♂️In this episode, you'll want to join Sylvia Lovely, co-host of Family Tree Food and Stories, for a show filled with unexpected twists and turns. When Sylvia's boyfriend Bernie, a radio host 📻 in Moorhead, Kentucky, finds himself without a guest for his show, Sylvia steps up with a daring plan intertwined with a bit of creative freedom. 💡 What happens next is a rollercoaster of emotions and on-air surprises. This heartwarming and humorous story showcases how quick thinking can turn a potential disaster into a memorable experience. Tune in to hear how Sylvia’s impromptu performance, featuring a delightful food-related twist, created a story for the ages - especially if you've ever been a waitress 🍔 - blending romance, humor, and the charm of small-town life. 👩‍❤️‍👨Key Lessons Learned:💡The importance of creativity and quick thinking in unexpected situations.How a shared challenge can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.The significance of humor and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.Family Tree Food & Stories 🎙️🍲❤️ is a heartwarming podcast that dives into the profound connections we have with food, family, and those treasured memories. Each episode shares the personal stories of recipes, traditions, and stories created just last week or passed down through generations. You'll laugh 😂, cry 😢, and crave more delicious moments 😋 as your hosts, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely, celebrate the power of food and moments that shape our identities and strengthen our bonds with family and friends. Join us every week for uplifting tales that will leave you hungry for more of what happens next. Pull up a chair and enjoy the journey! 🍽️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

11-28

05:09

Surprising Ways to Give More Thanks and Create a Better Thanksgiving Together. Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, which focuses on Thanksgiving secrets, traditions, history, and more.  Ever wonder why presidents pardon turkeys? Or why cranberry sauce sparks family feuds? This Family Tree Food & Stories episode reveals the quirky history and hidden stories behind America's favorite feast day.You'll learn the details behind: The real story behind presidential turkey pardonsWhy that cranberry sauce debate matters more than you thinkAncient traditions that shaped modern celebrations Game-changing hosting tips from disaster-seasoned prosFrom kitchen catastrophes turned family legends to clever conversation pivots that save dinner, we're sharing battle-tested strategies for holiday success. Learn how to transform traditional recipes, handle unexpected guests, and turn awkward moments into memorable stories.Plus, discover:Ways to give back and give thanks.How to shed a few pounds before you dig into that mealSurprising side dish recipe additionsThanksgiving table talk to ingredient-challenged guestsSkip the usual holiday stress. Join us for laughs, surprising historical tidbits, and practical ideas to revolutionize your Thanksgiving playbook. Share your story with us:Do you have a story to share on the Family Tree, Food & Stories show? Send us your story to review, and you can win a chance to have your family story on the show! Here's the link to share your story with us now. Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!Additional LinksBook: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on AmazonInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍About Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might just find a new story to share with...

The people who make a restaurant a family. A Chef, a Friend, and a Legacy of Kindness.This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show for an excellent reason. Sylvia, Co-Host of Family Tree, Food & Stories, and her husband, Bernie Lovely, the owners of Restaurant Azure and Patio in Lexington, Kentucky, recently woke to a phone call telling them of the sudden and unexpected passing of their Sous Chef, Austin Poplewell "Popcorn." Known for his gentle spirit and culinary creativity, Popcorn’s presence turned their restaurant into a second family, filling it with warmth and laughter. Always sharing, Popcorn often brought family recipes to the kitchen, including that of his grandmother’s butterscotch pie.This is more than a tribute; it’s a reminder of how we build a family through food, laughter, shared stories, and, in this case, a celebration of resilience, passion, and love.Additional LinksInstagram 📸FaceBook 👍My Family Tree, Food & Stories Book/JournalAbout Your Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, an Omnimedia company that celebrates the rich traditions and connections that everyone has around food, friends, and family meals together. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.Tune in and discover the secrets and superstitions hidden in your kitchen cabinets—you might find a new story to share with friends, family, or even a business colleague during your next meal.  #tribute #popcorn #souschef #restaurant #family #food #celebrationoflife #kentuckyfamilies