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 a...
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 con...
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 yo...
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 e...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 trad...
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 ...
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...
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 advic...
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...
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 brea...
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 reminde...
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 memor...
In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Juliea Huffaker of Farmhouse Harvest to share the story behind her beloved family dinner rolls. Passed down from her mother-in-law’s mother, these buttery, fluffy rolls are more than a side dish—they’re a symbol of love and tradition. Juliea talks about learning to cook as a young wife, how feeding her family became an act of care, and offers tips for making (and customizing) this versatile recipe. “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dir...
In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic talks with Abbe Odenwalder of This Is How I Cook about a cherished family favorite—Ilsa’s Passover Cake. More than just a sponge cake, it’s a story of tradition, resilience, and sweet memories passed through generations. Tune in to hear the touching history behind the recipe, practical tips for baking it yourself, and how food connects us to those we love. Get Full Show Notes & Recipe links on Hand-Me-Down Recipes
In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Haley from Cheap Recipe Blog joins Kathie to talk about Tater Tot Hot Dish, a beloved Midwestern comfort food that’s easy, frugal, and perfect for feeding a crowd. They dive into hot dish history, family traditions, and the best way to keep tater tots crispy. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or a taste of nostalgia, this episode has tips, tricks, and plenty of Midwest charm! "Hot dish just feels like home—it’s nostalgia in a 9x13 pan...
In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Puja from Indiaphile shares the fascinating history of Barley Malpua, a 5,000-year-old Indian dessert first mentioned in the Rigveda. Kathie and Puja discuss its ancient roots, modern adaptations, and creative twists, making this heritage recipe approachable for today’s kitchens. Whether you stick to barley and honey or try maple syrup, chai spice, or even sprinkles, this episode celebrates the joy of preserving tradition while making food your own. ...
Hand Me Down Recipes, hosted by Kathie Lapcevic, is dedicated to the timeless art of passing down family recipes. Each episode is a journey into kitchens of the past and present, where we share cherished dishes, the stories behind them, and the traditions they preserve. From secret sauces to grandma’s iconic desserts, we’re celebrating the love, heritage, and deliciousness that connect us across generations. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, join us to savor the flavors of t...