39 Family Cookbook Recipes from Grandma

From the Recipe Creator: It isn't officially the holidays until I've made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband's grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: When I was growing up, my grandma always served roast duck for the holidays, and for other family events throughout the year. I always thought it was better than turkey! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to “Grandma’s apple cake.” They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: When frost nips our garden, I quickly gather all the green tomatoes still on the vine and make this old family favorite. It’s been handed down from my grandmother, and now my granddaughters are asking for the recipe. —Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: These simple egg yolk cookies truly melt in your mouth. They’re thin cookies, just like my Grandma used to make. —Kathy Gagliardi, Holmdel, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: As the primary caregiver for my grandma, I am trying to cook healthier for her. I am fascinated with Mediterranean cuisine. It is much easier to have chicken and vegetables off the kabob, which inspired this sheet-pan dinner. —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California

From the Recipe Creator: I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called The Boat. Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This is the treasured "golden oldie" that my grandmother made so often whenever we'd come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we'd be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother gave me a cookbook stuffed with recipes. This is a slight twist on one of the first—and best—recipes I made from the book. It's best to store these in the refrigerator. —Mary Murphy, Evansville, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made this rich, tempting trifle every year for our family’s Christmas Eve celebrations. Now I make it to carry on her special tradition. It’s an easy, delicious no-bake dessert everyone will love. —Ann-Marie Milano, Milton, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: This tangy potato salad stirs memories of my grandma, who made it for us. Now my mom makes it with brats and sauerkraut—truly the best meal! —Devin Mulertt, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother was the queen of care packages. The Christmas season didn’t start until the mail carrier arrived with her anticipated box of goodies. These caramels are my father’s favorite. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Granny always had a batch of these delicious, crispy cookies waiting for us at her house. When I miss her more than usual, I make these cookies and let the aroma fill my house and heart. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: Loaded with cake cubes and fruit, an old English trifle is always welcome at a holiday dinner. The creamy, homemade custard is well worth the effort. —Nancy O'Connor, Glen Ridge, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: This savory crepe recipe has been passed down through many generations in my family. You can also use any leftover turkey filling for turkey pot pie. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Can’t decide whether to bring chips or cookies to the tailgate? These crisp and buttery cookies make plenty for the crowd, and will keep people guessing the secret ingredient. —Rachel Roberts, Lemoore, California

From the Recipe Creator: Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I created this peach cobbler recipe myself with a few tips from my mom and grandma. Because it’s so quick and easy, it can be made in minutes to suit any occasion. I’ve used it as a breakfast fruit dish, a dinner dessert and a light snack. —Martha Betten, North Manchester, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe from my great-grandmother. She brought this over from England, where they enjoyed leeks immensely during the fall and winter. —Suzanne Kesel, Cohocton, New York

From the Recipe Creator: This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California

From the Recipe Creator: When she got married, my mother insisted my grandmother write down one recipe for her. 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

From the Recipe Creator: My grandma brought this recipe with her when she emigrated from Italy as a young wife and mother. It is still a family favorite. —Janet Eddy, Stockton, California

From the Recipe Creator: Passed down by my grandmother and mother, this Martha Washington candy recipe is a cherished family tradition. We've even had each grandchild and great-grandchild take a turn stirring the candy mixture! —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I’m not the biggest fan of tuna, but it’s perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: These lemon slice cookies are a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookies. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington