Heirloom Meals: Savoring Yesterday's Traditions Today

Heirloom Recipes

Heirloom Recipes

Heirloom recipes are the treasures of the kitchen. If you are lucky enough, you have your grandmother's recipe box full of stained cards with annotations. Or perhaps you've written them down yourself with your own notes.

If you haven't already done so, call every relative you know and get them to tell you the family stories that occurred around the dinner table. Ask if you can make a treasured family recipe with him/her so you can recall their technique or ask questions about why they do things a certain way. You'll be surprised how much is taken for granted. So, stop waiting. Do it now! Email us when your done and we'll feature you on the radio show and blog!

  • Chicken, Chorizo and Potatoes

    Growing up, my Aunt Margie’s specialty was roasted sausage with potatoes. When thinking about a casual supper and what might pair well with the Crianza, this classic dish came to mind but with a...
  • Rioja Gran Reserva and Nana’s Anchovy Roasted Lamb

    Don't let the idea of anchovies scare you, they add a briny and delicious taste to lamb. I must say that the combination with the rosemary and garlic sends mouth-watering aromas wafting through the...
  • A Young Rioja with Pasta Bolognese

    The young Rioja, Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2014 is light enough to sip on while making dinner. It is aged under 12 months and has a deep purple color. The tannins are soft so the wine doesn’t compete...
  • Rioja Blanco with Fettucine with a Lobster Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

    Nothing says summer more than lobster, tomatoes and basil. So combining them into a light cream sauce and serving over fettucine is a home run. This dish is a great pairing with the Rioja Blanco –...
  • Mushroom Risotto

    Risotto is a staple in my home. I feel it is truly the perfect blank canvas. When thinking about what to pair with the Rioja Murvieta Reserva 2010, I knew something earthy and comforting would do the...
  • Sauteed Scallops

    In my opinion, the less one does to scallops the better. Their natural sweetness and subtle flavor need only be enhanced by a touch of salt and pepper and a little lemon juice or wine to deglaze the...
  • Grilled Onion and Cheeseburger from the National Onion Association

    I am working with the National Onion Association to interview and share stories from the amazing farmers who grow the onions that show up in the grocery store. When I interviewed Dale Gillis he...
  • Egg Salad

    Egg salad is one of those old-fashion luncheon comfort foods. Whenever I need a fast easy lunch, egg salad is the ticket! I think the freshness of the celery and tarragon makes this salad really...
  • Aunt Frances’ Pasta with Cauliflower and Bacon

    This dish is a family recipe from my godmother, Aunt Frances. It’s a comforting Italian specialty, simple and delectable. Feel free to substitute pancetta (Italian bacon). Either way everything...
  • Banana Bread

    Jim asked me to bake something his best friend’s elderly mother. I though banana bread would be just the thing— soft, sweet, and comforting. Banana bread is enjoyable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or...
  • Huevos Rancheros

    A hearty and healthy authentic breakfast recipe. Loaded with heart healthy protein and veggies, this meal is a great way to start your day!
  • Simple Rice

    Making rice at home can be tricky. Here is a painless and useful process to making your own rice at home. 
  • Strawberry Jam Preserve

    Making your own all-natural strawberry jam preserves are as simple as following these quick sets of directions. Once put into jars, they will last in your pantry for up to a year!               ...
  • Lolita’s Flan

    My summer intern, Becky Narum, provided this authentic recipe for Flan. Becky learned this recipe from her host mother while studying abroad in Spain. Flan is a delicious custard dessert with a layer...
  • Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish Omelet)

    My Summer intern, Becky Narum, provided this authentic recipe for Tortilla de Patatas. Becky learned this recipe from her host mother while studying abroad in Spain. Delicious and simple, this dish...
  • Homemade Fettuccini

    There is nothing quite like homemade pasta. My Nana would always make it without a recipe, and now I do the same! I promise you, homemade pasta is definitely worth the extra effort! Frank Bruni says...
  • Lobster Fettuccini

    This recipe is a mix of my Italian roots, with the homemade fettuccini pasta, and my childhood memories growing up in Rhode Island where lobster is a staple summer food. Every summer my family would...
  • Mini Cream Puffs

    Among my favorite of the sweets on my family's hospitality table were the cream puffs.  When I got old enough to help, I spooned the cream into the puffs and arranged them on a serving plate when...
  • Okra Gumbo and Hot Water Corn Bread

    Mia Moorehead's family recipe from her grandmother Gigi. Her zesty okra gumbo and delicious cornbread balls were a hit at the table! 
  • Nana’s Blueberry Pie

    I love how heirloom recipes change slightly from generation to generation. My Nana’s uses lemon juice and zest in her pie. My Mom uses a grated granny smith apple as a binder, and cooks down half the...
  • Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

    Quite possibly my most FAVORITE food in the universe! My most treasured personal heirloom recipe for breaded chicken cutlets. It's versatile directions allow you to apply the breading process...
  • Blueberry Buckle Cake

    I love how so many recipes are similar yet different. On the surface Ruth Migliorelli's cake is similar to the Blueberry bundt cake, but with a slightly different technique and a specifed pan. You...
  • Blueberry Batter Cake

    This is probably the easiest cake you will ever make and it’s a taste pleaser, and of course its best made with local Windy Hill Farm blueberries.
  • Madeira and Maple Glazed Onions

    Ah yes, creamed onions somehow always seem to make the list of holiday side dishes.  But what if you left out the cream, milk and flour and replaced it with Madeira wine and maple syrup? My...
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Cheesecake is the dessert of choice in my family. I think it started with traditional Italian ricotta cheesecakes which are delicious.  But sometime the 70’s, we sampled New York-style cheesecake. It...
  • Potato Leek Soup

    While this is a recipe I created, the basis of the recipe is an heirloom.  It is the process known as “soffritto”.  It’s something I watched my Mom and Nana do my whole life and it can be the start...
  • Panna Cotta

    This is a simple and EASY dessert. Nana always whipped this up for a quick and delectable treat.  It’s smooth like pudding but easier to make and you can doctor it up with seasonal fruit or...
  • Linguine with Clam Sauce aka Seaweed Macaroni

    When I was little, I named this dish seaweed macaroni.  I think it was the abundance of parsley married with the clams that sparked my creative naming of this dish!!  This is another one of my Nana’s...
  • Heirloom Stuffed Mushrooms

    Perhaps one of my most vivid memories growing up was being the taste tester for the major family meals. I would stand by the stove and study my Mom and Nana while they made course after course, and I...
  • Eric William’s Granny’s Peach Cobbler

    It’s hard to forget conversations about food (well, at least for me anyway). Last year when I was explaining what Heirloom Meals is all about to Eric Williams, he launched into the story about his...
  • Chocolate Bread Pudding

    Bread pudding is comfort food.  This recipe was inspired by a college friend's Portuguese bread pudding that she made with sweet bread.  I decided to change it up for Valentine's Day.  I adore sour...
  • Heart Healthy Muffins

    Inspired by Rebecca Narum's blueberry bran muffins, I thought that Valentine's breakfast could start on a heart healthy note!  I changed canola oil to walnut oil and used whole wheat flour. These...
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Heart Cake

    My friend Erin Gernon shared her family recipe for a chocolate birthday sheet cake.  She told me that this cake was a staple at every birthday party.  So, I thought I would take the basic premise of...
  • Italian Wedding Soup According to Carole

    Maybe I wanted to make Italian wedding soup because I had just met with my friend Andre Pupek who is getting married to an Italian in June….or maybe because the flu is rampant and it’s true comfort...
  • Herb-Crusted Rib Roast

    As far back as I can remember, we had Rib Roast for Christmas. It was the crown jewel of beef...juicy, indulgent and that special treat that made our Christmas dinner amazing! Mom and Nana always...
  • Helga Kaiser’s Dumplings

    Traditionally served alongside her Christmas Goose, Helga's dumplings are perfect for soaking up all the delicious drippings still running off the goose.  While it may take some time to get your own...
  • Our Christmas Cookie Basic Mix and Variations

    Making Christmas cookies was and still is the highlight of the Christmas season in our house.  My Mom, as many of you know is a mad baker! And 'tis the seaon for baking and baking and baking. My...
  • Cabot Creamery Cheddar and Jalapeno Biscotti

    The christmas season is truly a season of sweet indulgence....between the eggnog and the cookies I know I start looking for something savory to nosh on.  Cabot Creamery Cooperative, a Christmas and...
  • Ruth Ann Galvin’s Mocha Rounds

    Just up the street from me where I grew up in Pelham Manor, NY Ruth Migilorelli Galvin and her sister, Carol were her mother’s elves while making dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies. Ruth has...
  • Ruth Ann Galvin’s Lemon Star cookies

    Another one of the delicious cookie recipes Ruth Ann and Katie Galvin whip up by the dozens each year is their lemon star cookies.  
  • Ruth Ann Galvin’s English Nut Bar Shortbread

  • Frijoles con Chorizo

    Frijoles con chorizo are a typical sidedish to tamales in the Christmas Eve Mexican celebration Nochebuena. 
  • Ensalada de Nochebuena

    This beautiful and colorful salad is an integral part of the Mexican Christmas Eve tradition "Nochebuena"  and was shared with us by Heirloom Meals' Christmas Special guest Darlene...
  • Croquembouche

    Among my favorite of the sweets on my family's hospitality table were the cream puffs. My Mom took pride in these. She was and still is a baking perfectionist. She knew exactly how the batter should...
  • Stuffed Artichokes

    Among the many items we feasted on during a long meal were the stuffed artichokes or carciofila as I remember it spoken. And boy were these loved. I remember standing next to Nana as she cut off the...
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate

    Heirloom Meals' Christmas show guest Darlene Tenes shared her recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate to accompany her tamales in completing your Nochebuena celebration.  Taza stoneground chocolate is the...
  • Alex Elman’s Plum Pudding

    Alex Elman shared this treasured family recipe with us.  What I love about the story is how the plum pudding is lit on fire and then passed over the heads of all the friends and family at the table....
  • Jack Simko and AnneMarie DeFreest’s Hungarian Kifli

    This father and daughter team from Waitsfield, VT share their wonderful connection around their Christmas baking traditions. Jack recalls how his family scrimped for several months leading up to...
  • Darlene Tenes’ Tamales with Shredded Pork and Pasilla Chile Sauce

    Darlene is a native Californian from San Jose. In Darlene Tenes’s family, Christmas isn't Christmas without making and eating tamales!
They gather in warm kitchen at the break of dawn in an assembly...
  • Scott Keough’s Eggnog

    Would the Christmas season be complete without eggnog? Many of us have only known eggnog out of a carton, but true homemade eggnog will transport you to eggnog nirvana. Scott Keough’s eggnog recipe...
  • Anne Maxfield’s Lollipops

    Anne Maxfield is an entrepreneur who lives in the New York City area. When Anne shared her family’s unique Christmas tradition of lollipop making, Carole just knew that she had to have Anne on the...
  • Elle Green’s Sweet Potato Cake

    Elle Green is a personal chef from Memphis, Tennessee. Elle’s all-time favorite thing to make during the winter holidays is her Grandmother Ruthie's sweet potato cake, using her "special"...
  • Katja Rowell’s German Red Cabbage

    Katja is a medical doctor and family feeding and nutrition expert from the Twin Cities. Katja shares a heart-warming story of a simple red cabbage dish that is a perfect side to Helga’s...
  • Charity Kahn’s Super Duper Turkey Dressing Recipe

    This one is from my mom’s mom, Grandmother Jane Vaughan.  It’s absolutely delicious and I love her vague instructions and measurements and advice to “hope for the best!” at the...
  • Paul Finnerty’s Cranberry Pie

    This cranberry pie, from Jim's brother Paul Finnerty, has become a family tradition for the Thanksgiving Holiday.   In fact, "Uncle Paul" fancies himself as a pie afficionado. And, I think you'll...
  • Caramelized Pearl Onions or Shallots

    A quick, easy and delicious side dish to add to your Thanksgiving spread!
  • Meatballs and Gravy

    Growing up, tomato sauce was known as gravy in our household and pasta was called macaroni. It's funny to think about it now.  But that's what's so great about memories. Also, there was NO recipe for...
  • Helga Kaiser’s Christmas Goose

    Viennese-born Helga Kaiser shares her Christmas goose recipe with Heirloom Meals.  Helga now lives in New York City and Stockbridge, MA.  Helga clings to her European traditions of awaiting Kris...
  • Jo Murko’s Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Almond Biscotti

    Carole’s mother, Jo, was born in Claverack NY but grew up in New York City where she learned to cook from her mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Carole and Jo’s Italian heritage has a strong...
  • Zucchini Boats

    I used to wonder why my Nana would stuff the large zucchini that came out of the garden.  And of course, it's because, other than baking with them, they've grown too large to enjoy any other way....
  • Sour Cream Pie Crust

    Here is my family's sour cream pie crust recipe, it's my go-to recipe anytime I am in the pie making mood. It is simple and sure to please lovers of pie no matter the flavor of pie. Enjoy!
  • Mary Vaughan’s Blueberry Muffins

    This is a recipe from one my interns Mary Vaughan. Since we had the blueberry recipe contest going on for the month of July, I had to have her mother's family recipe for the contest. They are so...
  • Scott Keough’s Blueberry Custard Pie

    This is a heirloom recipe from Scott Keough, the only difference is that we used my famiy's sour cream pie crust recipe. The rest of this creation is totally on Scott!  He was teaching his six year...
  • Carol Narum’s Blueberry-Bran Breakfast Muffins

    Rebecca Narum is one of my summer '12 interns.  We are so into blueberries right now that when I mentioned it was national blueberry muffin day, Rebecca quickly called her Mom for the their recipe...
  • Ally Hemming’s Patriot

    The Patriot was an entry in our Heirloom Blueberry recipe contest submitted by the amazing Ally Hemming. The story she shared with us highlights  an annual 4th of July party Ally attends every summer...
  • Ruth Migliorelli’s Blueberry Buckle

    Ruth sent in her delicious Blueberry Buckle recipe that she like's to share with her entire family when they come to visit.  It is a recipe that links her fond childhood memories to those of her...
  • Madeline Finnerty’s Blueberry Cake

    During our Heirloom Blueberry recipe contest, Madeline Finnerty entered this heirloom recipe and story. The story behind this yummy cake is a fond memory of the summers her parents spent on Cape Cod...
  • Almond Blueberry Cookies

  • Almond Fingers

    These cookies are simple, pretty and delicious!  They were among the staples of our Christmas cookie arsenal.  There's something special about them - the texture is light and crumbly; the taste sweet...
  • Canelazo (Spiced cinnamon rum drink)

    Andres Lima Saeteros brought two delicious and traditional Ecuadorian recipes to the Heirloom Meals Solstice Party.  He claims his grandmother made these two dishes for his family's enjoyment.  The...
  • Llapingochos (Potato cakes filled with cheese)

    Andres Saeteros came to the Heirloom Meals Solstice Party with two Heirloom recipes which he shared his grandmother has made for his family's enjoyment!  The Llapingochos is a famous dish in Ecuador....
  • Coarse Simple Salsa

    As Chris Blair reflects on his favorite family recipes from his childhood he realizes the list is so short that the foods he has come to appreciate he acquired as an adult.  He says he has gained...
  • Hummus at home

    When Chris Blair reflects his his favorite family recipes from childhood he realizes the list is so short that the foods he has come to truly appreciate he acquired as an adult.  He's gained...
  • 7-Layer Salad

    Rebecca has been helping her mother make this 7-layer salad for big family gatherings and parties since she was a child.  Growing up in the mid-west, family reunions were frequent along with any...
  • Sour Milk Spice Cake

    Nancy's grandmother used to make little cup-cake sized spice cakes that came out of the oven hard but delicious!  However, when her mom made the recipe she tweaked it a little and used oil instead of...
  • Ants Climb a Tree

    This traditionally Chinese recipe is one of Mathew Lawrence’s family’s favorites.  Being that Mathew is a Qigong instructor it could have influenced his choice to make this dish many years ago which...
  • Lisa Newmann’s Purple Summer Salad

    Lisa owned a Bistro in Boston for a fare amount of years and when she was starting out she was searching for different recipes to put on her menu.  Her mom handed over this Purple Summer Salad recipe...
  • Doug Ferguson’s Cincinnati Chili

    Recently we had Doug Ferguson from the Surburban Cookbook on Heirloom Radio. While on the show he shared his recipe for Cincinnati Chili, a memory from his childhood. Doug shared with us the story...
  • Nana’s Creamy Potato Salad

    Nana and Mom always made the best potato salad.  And not surprising, there was NO recipe.  They just knew what to do and made it sort of the same every time.  The basic ingredients were potatoes,...
  • Grace Young’s Chinese Trinidadian Stir-Fried Shrimp with Rum

    This recipe comes from Grace Young's book Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Mastery, with Authentic Recipes and Stories. This particular recipe comes from a visit to Trinidad,...
  • Grace Young’s Vegetable Lo Mein

    Grace Young was recently featured on our radio show, and she said we could share her recipe from The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen: Classic Family Recipes for Celebration and Healing. Here is some...
  • Ouida Moorehead’s Peanut Butter Cookies

    This summer I decided to feature heirloom family recipes inspired by food holidays. When we were looking at June, it featured National Peanut Butter Cookie Day. I would soon find out that my intern...
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

    We love strawberry season. And we love rhubarb season.  We wanted to make a strawberry rhubarb pie and sent a request out into the social sphere.  We only received one recipe.  The filling recipe is...
  • Roasted Asparagus Four Ways

    I think we all have roasted our asparagus at one time or another.  So it's nice to have all these similar yet different recipes.  I thank you all for sending them in!  I left them just as they were...
  • Brent Wasser’s White Asparagus with Goat Milk Bechamel Sauce

    Brent wrote the most wonderful description of this dish.  Although we are not quite sure who Vivianne is , we can tell that she left an indelible impression on Brent with this dish.  As such, Brent...
  • Abhishek Duggal’s Yellow Heirloom Tomato Caprese with Asparagus and Green Beans

    Abhishek did not provide a story with this recipe but I love the idea of adding asparagus and spring beans to a traditional caprese salad.  We had it as a luncheon salad and it was devoured with...
  • Florence Mim’s Asparagus Rolls

    Florence Mim's shares, "These rolls were made by my grandmother. I have seen similar recipes but always come back to this one. It is a delicious recipe for asparagus rolls." And I love that Florence...
  • Asparagus Polonaise

    In the worn steel pan with black handle, my Mom would boil the water for the asparagus. Curiously, there were always 2 lone eggs in the pan while the water was coming up to a boil, that were then...
  • Madeline Finnerty’s Lemon Meringue Pie

  • Oregon’s Kosher Maven’s Honey Cake

    Honey Cake, which is traditionally eaten on the eve of Yom Kippur, represents the sweetness of the New Year.  While Dottie doesn't have a family recipe this is the recipe she recommends!
  • Budin de Pan Puertorriqueno (Bread Pudding)

  • Hans Morris’ Linguine with Clam Sauce

    This was a staple of our weekly dinners during the early to mid 70’s.  It got our family through Watergate, the evacuation of Vietnam, the first energy crisis, and the arrival of Grandpa List as a...
  • Hans Morris’ Sticky Buns

    "Grandma making these for us every other week AND letting us play with the fat under her arms almost made it worth cramming into the station wagon for church each Sunday."  This quote from Hans'...
  • Michael Wang’s Soba Noodle Soup

    This is the perfect dish for an overcast spring day - simple to make and deliciously satisfying.
  • Kathy Mangan’s Irish Soda Bread: Swinford Spotted Dog (from her Grammy Mangan)

    Kathy Mangan tried to learn how to make this recipe with her Grandmother but never mastered it before her Grandmother passed.  She later journied to the area of Ireland where her family came from and...
  • Hans Morris’ Apple Cake (Teddie’s Apple Cake)

    Hans shared a few coveted recipes from his family's treasure trove of recipes.  This is one that he mentioned was one of his favorites.  I actually made it with my Mom and she was so funny - she...
  • Agnes Djaha’s Kibbee

    Again, Agnes Djaha tells us that Kibbee is one of the mainstays on the Syrian table along with grape leaves.
  • Turnip and Potato Gratin

    This is a wonderfully simple dish and an excellent accompaniment to a roasted chicken, a braise, meatloaf and even an Easter ham. My memories are of my grandmother slicing the potatoes and turnips...
  • Baccala Salad

    My memories of my grandfather’s guttural pronunciation of BACCALA still resonates in my head and makes me giggle.  As a kid, who would think of eating something that sounded awful and started out as...
  • Pignoli Cookies

    These cookies represent the essence of the holidays to me.  My Nana would bake them around Christmas and again around Easter.  In fact, my favorite cookies to buy when I am in Little Italy in NYC, or...