12 Timeless Cooking Tips We Learned from Grandma
Updated: Dec. 13, 2019This collection of cooking tips is proof that grandmas really do know best.
When I think of my grandma, I think of her in the kitchen. Whether she was baking bread, making rice pudding or keeping an eye on her old-fashioned pressure cooker (who knew they’d become trendy again?), many of her days were spent over the stove or at the kitchen sink. A fabulous cook who lived to the ripe old age of 91, she passed her cooking tips down to my mom, who has done her best to share them with me.
Whether we were born in 1900, 1950 or 1990, our grandmas learned to cook through hard work, trial and error, and hours upon hours in the kitchen. Just for fun, I polled a few foodies at Taste of Home for the tidbits of wisdom they got from grandma and still use today.
1. Follow directions first; experiment later.
The first time you make a recipe, always follow the directions exactly. Then you’ll know how to tweak it to your taste the next time.
2. Take your time.
Rushing is only going to result in a big mess, skipped steps or ingredients, and maybe even the need for a Band-Aid.
3. Make perfect gravy.
When you add a cornstarch slurry to a sauce (think turkey gravy), add only a little bit at a time. You never know how thick your gravy will be until it comes to a full boil.
4. Brown first.
When baking up a hearty dish, always brown the meat before you put it in the oven. It makes the meat so much tastier.
5. Don’t cry.
After cutting an onion, rub your hands on a metal kitchen faucet to get rid of the smell and prevent tears. This one might be a myth, but it’s so sweet that we’ll give it a try. See the onion-cutting methods we’ve already debunked, here.
6. When in doubt, top with chips.
Toward the end of baking a savory dish, crumble potato chips on the top and cook it a few more minutes. The top of your dish will be beautifully browned with a nice texture and salty crunch. Test it out with this tasty hamburger casserole.
7. Take your frustration out on cucumbers.
Smash cucumbers before cooking to remove seeds, tenderize the flesh and help them absorb flavor. Here’s how: Cut cucumbers into 1-1/2 to 2-in. lengths. Lay skin side up on a cutting board. Place the flat side of a chef knife (or a cleaver or rolling pin) over cucumbers and whack down firmly but gently with the heel of your hand, much like smashing a garlic clove. When you’re done, use them in these delicious cucumber recipes.
8. Add some acid.
When making lentil-, bean– or broth-based soups, add a little splash of vinegar (1/2 teaspoon) or squeeze of lemon at the very end of cooking to brighten the flavors. The little touch of acidity brings the dish to life.
9. Get creative with your eggs.
The secret to making creamy, soft scrambled eggs with a rich, salty pork flavor? Add some minced Spam. Yep, Spam.
10. Be prepared for last-minute guests.
Who can forget Grandma’s old saying: If you drop silverware, it means unexpected company is coming. A fork means a female visitor, and a knife means a male visitor. That’s why you should always have something on hand to serve unexpected guests. Here are a few recipes to get you started.
11. There’s a smart way to do the dishes.
Always clean your countertops before you do dishes, so if there’s a big pot that won’t fit in the rack, you know you have a clean place to set it. (Still searching for more room? Find ways to save counter space here.)
12. Clean the fridge (and what’s inside it).
To keep your refrigerator spotless, always wipe off the tops, bottoms and lids of your jars, food containers and milk jugs (don’t forget syrup and condiments!) just before putting them back in the fridge. This little step will help keep your fridge surfaces sparkling.
Finally, this is perhaps the best bit of wisdom passed down by any grandma: Cook for people and they will know you love them, and they’ll remember it long after you’re gone. So true. Thanks, Grandma.
Celebrate Grandma with something sweet. Grab your fork and check out these timeless desserts.
Grandma (and Grandpa) know best with these 60 heirloom recipes.
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
My mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when Mom got married in 1942: the how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! —Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin
Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Grandma's Honey Muffins
I can remember my Grandma Wheeler making these delicious muffins—we'd eat them nice and warm, fresh from the oven! She was a "pinch of this and handful of that" kind of cook, so getting the ingredient amounts correct for the recipe was a challenge. Now it's a family treasure! —Darlis A. Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
PB&J French Toast
My grandpa made an awesome breakfast for us grandkids: French toast that started on the griddle as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.—Lindsey Folsom, Dorsey, Illinois
Scalloped Sweet Corn Casserole
This is my Grandma Ostendorf's corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Italian Meatball Buns
These soft little rolls come with a surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. They're wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, making them fun for my grandkids and adults, too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies
Our neighbor made these for me when I was little, and now I make them for my kids, grandkids and for the children at school. Serve them with milk for the kids and tea for the grown-ups. —Nancy Lynch, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Rosemary Dinner Rolls
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. At lunchtime, my mom and aunts delivered the formed rolls. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Pizza Macaroni & Cheese
My grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Blueberry Ice Cream
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
Grandma's Divinity
Every Christmas my grandmother and I made divinity, just the two of us. I still make it every year. —Anne Clayborne, Walland, Tennessee
Blue-Ribbon Doughnuts
What could be more delicious than a warm homemade doughnut? I've been making these tasty treats for my children and grandchildren for many years. —Kay McEwen, Sussex, New Brunswick
Risotto Balls (Arancini)
My Italian Grandma made these risotto balls for me. I still request them when I visit her, and so do my children. These can be made ahead of time and frozen. They are also delicious served as a vegetarian main course with a salad.—Gretchen Whelan, San Francisco
Grandma Russell's Bread
I remember as a child always smelling fresh homemade bread and rolls whenever I walked into Grandma's house. The warm slices were delicious and melted in my mouth! —Janet Polito, Nampa, Idaho
Contest-Winning Sugar 'n' Spice Nuts
My daughters, grandkids and just about everyone who visits me look forward to this mix of crunchy spiced nuts recipe during the holidays. And tucked in colorful tins, it makes a handy last-minute gift idea for busy hostesses or drop-in visitors. —Joan Klinefelter, Utica, Illinois
Grandma's Tandy Kake
My grandmother made this for all our family gatherings. Everyone loves it now I make it for every party we attend or host. —John Morgan III, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes
Our grandkids love these cupcakes and don't believe us when we tell them there are veggies in them! I'm always asked for this recipe, which makes a tasty treat after school, packed in lunches or served as dessert after dinner. —Carole Fraser, North York, Ontario
Peach Turkey Sandwiches
This is a delicious toasted sandwich with a sweet taste of peach and the zip of the vinegarette. I've made this sandwich for a lot of people and they all love it. Especially my grandchildren. —Donie Langston, Wathena, Kansas
Grandma Schwartz's Rouladen
This was one of my Grandma Schwartz's recipes. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher and this was one of his (and our) favorite meals. It's an extra-special beef entree when served with mashed potatoes made with butter and sour cream. —Lynda Sharai, Summer Lake, Oregon
Grandma's Strawberry Shortcake
Here's a family-sized version of my grandma's summertime dessert. I can still taste the sweet juicy berries she piled over warm biscuits and topped with a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream. My father added even more indulgence to his serving by first buttering his biscuits. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
Pink Christmas Punch
Here is a real family heirloom recipe. The first person in our family to serve this delicious fruit punch was Great-Grandma King. She used to set out a Christmas Eve spread at their house every year. Its pretty pink color is very festive as well.—Beth Dewese, Plano, Texas
Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs
My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Cookie Jar Gingersnaps
My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One of the jars, which I now have, always had these crisp and chewy gingersnaps in it. They're still my favorite cookie recipe. My daughter, Becky, used this recipe for a 4-H fair and won a blue ribbon. —Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas
Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake
I can still remember my grandma serving this delicious cake on the big wooden table in her farm kitchen. Every time I bake this unusual cake, it takes me back to those special days at Grandma's. —Diane Ganssle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
This is from a collection of family recipes. My granddaughter, Riley, likes that it tastes like lemons, but is sweet. It’s always moist and wonderful. —Phyllis Harmon, Nelson, Wisconsin
Jam Biscuits
My teenage granddaughter, Holly, and I have enjoyed cooking together since she was 4 years old. We like to make these golden biscuits for holiday gatherings. Fill the centers with homemade jam, orange marmalade or cheese. —Mary Lindsay, Dunrango, Colorado
Sugar Cone Chocolate Chip Cookies
If I could make a batch of cookies a day, I'd be in baking heaven. I made these for my boys when they were growing up, and now I treat my grandkids, too. Everyone loves the tasty blend of chocolate chips, crumbled sugar cones and sprinkles. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Pirate Pasta Shells
Grandfather loved pirate stories and good pasta. When we make his stuffed shells, it reminds us of his favorite tropical places and adventures. —Kathy Noll, Laureldale, Pennsylvania
Grandma Nardi's Italian Easter Bread
My Grandma Nardi’s bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. —Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mushroom Pizza Loaf
This recipe came from my Grandma. It was always a favorite of mine as I was growing up and has now become a favorite with my husband and two kids! — Amanda Wiersema, Archer, Iowa
Lemon Custard Cake
This custard cake recipe comes from my grandma and is nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It's a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Caraway Cheese Biscuits
My grandchildren are always happy when I pull a pan of my cheese biscuits from the oven. The golden brown goodies are perfect for dipping into chili or stew. — Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Grandma's Collard Greens
My grandmother made the best collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Breakfast Buns
My grandmother taught me to bake these breakfast buns 70 years ago. Now my granddaughter makes them! This batter is like a biscuit dough and can be made up in a short time. There's no nicer way to wake up in the morning than to the aromas of biscuits baking and coffee perking! — Dorothy McGinnis, West Haven, Connecticut
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for “Grandma Camp.” Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Hearty Sausage 'n' Beans
Our son, Will, is a brand new dad. He cooked this blend of sausage, beans, tomatoes and rice when we came to visit our newborn granddaughter, Jenna. The beauty of the dish is the simplicity: Toss the ingredients in one pan, simmer, and you've got dinner. Add corn bread and a tossed salad on the side. —Will Owen, Waco, Texas
Grandmother's Corn Pudding
My grandmother always served this pudding for holidays and family reunions. Everyone loves it. Corn pudding is a popular side dish on Maryland's eastern shore. —Susan Brown Langenstein, Salisbury, Maryland
Grandma's Favorite Hot Cross Buns
My husband's Grandma used to make these every year for Good Friday, and I carry on the tradition with my own version of her recipe. I make 6 dozen every year, and they all disappear. —Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
Icebox Honey Cookies
My Grandma Wruble always had a batch of these cookies in the cookie jar and another roll in the refrigerator ready to slice and bake. Their honey and lemon flavor is delicious! —Kristi Gleason, Flower Mound, Texas
Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Homey Mac & Cheese
I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida
Wendy's Apple Pomegranate Salad
My grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Sweet & Salty Popcorn
There’s nothing like making memories with grandkids in the kitchen and seeing their excited, happy faces while they help. — Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Grandma's Dill Pickles
This treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Grandma's Star Cookies
My husband's grandma would only make these butter cutouts with a star cookie cutter. I use various shapes for celebrations throughout the year. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Fresh Tomato Relish
My two grown sons actually eat this as a salad, but that's a bit too hot for me! The recipe's from my late husband's mother, and I haven't varied it over the years. I usually make a batch as soon as the first tomatoes of the season are ready. —Lela Baskins, Windsor, Missouri
Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Grilled Barbecued Chicken
It's fun for me to have my family together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The moist and plump pieces always bring enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida
Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh Vegetables
Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Grandma's Cajun Chicken & Spaghetti
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti, lovingly made on an old woodstove. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
My grandma made a version of this for me when I was a little girl—and fresh apples from a tree in her backyard added an extra-special touch. I’ve adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apple, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Cheeseburger Pepper Cups
I like to serve my grandkids something special, and this is one of their favorites. They like red or yellow peppers because they're sweeter and look more appetizing. —Betty Winscher, Royalton, Minnesota
Spinach Beef Macaroni Bake
This hearty casserole is great for a family reunion or church supper. I've also made half the recipe for family gatherings. It's become a special favorite of my grandson-in-law and great-grandson, who often ask me to serve it when they're visiting. —Lois Lauppe, Lahoma, Oklahoma
Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy
As a child, my grandmother taught me how to make this chicken-fried steak. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are bigger, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
Grandpa's Party Potatoes
My grandpa, who gave me this recipe, liked the way the cream cheese and onion dip created a wonderful velvety texture. I often assemble these potatoes the night before, then pop them in the oven the next day. —Mary Kay Elert, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
Grandma's Pea Soup
My grandma's pea soup recipe was a family favorite. What makes it different from any other pea soups I have tried is the addition of whole peas, spaetzle-like "dumplings" and sausage. Try it once and you'll be hooked. —Carole Talcott, Dahinda, Illinois
Grandma's Poultry Dressing
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Triple Berry Linzer Tart
My grandmother gave me her signature lattice-topped tart recipe. The bubbling raspberry preserves, citrus and nuts fill our home with aromas that bring back warm memories. —Michael Compean, Los Angeles, CaliforniaPopular Videos
Originally Published: May 02, 2018
