100 Recipes from the Women We Love

This is my grandma’s shortcake recipe, although she always served it with vanilla ice cream—usually homemade! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It’s a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota

This recipe goes back at least as far as my grandmother, who was born in the early 1900s. Our sons and I enjoy eating it in a bowl with milk poured on it—much to the dismay of my husband, who prefers it plain! —Kathy Nienow Clark, Byron, Michigan

My mom made game hens for my dad once a week. When my sister and I were little we would try to sneak some of the chicken from his plate. For this dish, use whatever herbs you have on hand. If you have some in the garden, even better! —Meagan Meyer, Irving, Texas

My mom made this divine chocolaty bread only for holidays or special requests, but it makes any old morning even better. I always think of our family when I smell it baking. —Rachel Rhodes, Bedford, Pennsylvania

This historic pie has been in our family for many generations and is always at all of the family get-togethers.—Suzette Pruit, Houston, Texas

When my sister Catherine made her apple cake for me, I knew I needed the recipe. When I made it, I added some pears from the trees on our acreage. The resulting apple pear cake is so moist and tastes so good. Now every time I make it, people want my recipe. —Mary Ann Lees, Centreville, Alabama

A dear neighbor shared this recipe, which she used to make from scratch. My version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our recipe, it still takes me home again. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

My mother used to make delicious cinnamon rolls when I was a child. Later, she taught my sister and me to make them. I've since added the caramel and pecans. These scrumptious sticky buns are a huge hit wherever I take them. —Judy Powell, Star, Idaho

The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy macaroni and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother’s kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

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

My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee

My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

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

These sandwich cookies taste rich and buttery and have a lovely lemon filling. The recipe has been in our family since the 1950s, when my mother got it from a French friend in her club. —Phyllis Dietz, Westland, Michigan

My grandmother, Mama, made this potato salad for every family gathering at her home. The relatives would arrive with their specialties in hand. She never wrote the recipe down, so I had to re-create it from memory. Years later, it's just about right. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

The aroma of this pie baking in my farm kitchen oven reminds me of my dear grandma who made this pretty pie for special occasions. —Beverly Medalen, Willow City, North Dakota

My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen. —Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas

Mom often made these rich, cinnamon-sugar apples when I was growing up. It’s a trip down memory lane when I make them. The recipe is very dear to me. —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma

My Great-Aunt Lou made a luscious fresh apple cake recipe that became a family tradition. My mom makes it for our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia

My sister-in-law shared her recipe with me—it’s a nice thick soup. It does call for quite a few ingredients, but the taste is worth it! —Gudrun Braker, Burnett, Wisconsin

These old-fashioned pancakes are fluffy inside and crispy outside, with a little perk-up from grated onions. Mom got this recipe from Grandma, so it’s been a favorite for many years. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio

My sister, Nancy, is one of the best cooks I know. When my daughter was getting married, I put together a cookbook of her favorite family recipes—Nancy's soup was a must-have. Our family often had this with a salad before Christmas Eve services. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, “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

My sister gave me the recipe for this delicious bread pudding that's dotted with raisins. It's a big hit with everyone who's tried it. A homemade vanilla sauce goes together quickly on the stovetop and is yummy drizzled over warm servings of this old-fashioned-tasting treat. —Sherry Nice McComb, Ohio

This well-seasoned roast is Mom’s specialty. Everyone loves slices of the fork-tender roast beef and its savory gravy, and people always ask what her secret ingredients are. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite dish!
—Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

My aunt made a mighty breakfast that revolved around 'The Big Pancake'. I always enjoyed watching as she poured the batter into her huge iron skillet, then created the perfect confection: baked pancakes. —Marion Kirst, Troy, Michigan

I got this delightful beef burgundy from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this beef burgundy recipe. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa

Mom's apple pie might be a cliché, but others have tried and failed to rival my mom's recipe. My siblings and I panic when anyone else takes the holiday apple pie assignment, but we make sure Mom is making hers, too. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

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

My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in the refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

My uncles have always called these "cupcake cookies" because of the unique and pretty way they're baked. My maternal grandmother mixed up many a batch. —Marilyn Louise Riggenbach, Ravenna, Ohio

Mom cooked for 11 children, so her menus usually featured basic, simple foods. But on New Year’s Day, she always treated us to this special pork roast. All of us kids agree this was our mom’s best meal! —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this dessert a treasured recipe. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California

My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

My grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York

I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota

Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas

My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

I got this recipe from my sister and my family really likes it a lot. It makes the house smell so good! The amount of garlic might seem high, but it's just right. You get every bit of the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. —Terri Christensen, Montague, Michigan

When my two daughters were young, their great-grandma made them coconut cookies with oats. Thankfully, she shared the recipe. —Debra Dorn, Homosassa, Florida

My mother often made this lemon pie back when we were growing up. You might say it's stood the test of time, because today it's still my 75-year-old brother's favorite! The beaten egg whites give it a delicate texture and make this custard pie quite unique! It's a great way to top off any meal. —Jeannie Fritson, Kearney, Nebraska

The minute I can get my hands on zucchini, I start making this light and luscious cake. For years it was an often-ordered dessert at my sister's deli. —Peggy Linton, Cobourg, Ontario

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

My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas

When we were growing up, my mother made sugar cookies dotted with ground walnuts as a special treat to welcome us home from school. —Debbie Miller, La Verne, CA

My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina

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

Get ready for a gourmet loaded baked potato in casserole form. This is so good, I can’t resist making it several times a month. And, it’s a quick and easy dish for company, too. My sister gave me the recipe, and I’m always happy to pass it along. —Peggy Grieme, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Mom loves sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost serve as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

This is one of my great-grandmother's recipes that I received years ago from one of my great-aunts. We bake these cookies for holidays and other special occasions. —Kristy Deloach, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law and I’ve made it numerous times at the request of friends and co-workers. It’s quick and easy, just what I need in my busy life. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I know—my mom, Arline, and my Grandma Etta. —Ginger Cusano, Sandusky, Ohio

My mother was a pastor's wife, and she did a lot of cooking for potlucks. This recipe's one she created herself. I serve it frequently to my husband and to our four children. Every one of them is a hearty eater! —Marlene Doolittle, Story City, Iowa

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

My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. —Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont

When I was growing up I always looked forward to the Russian Tea that my Aunt Dorothy made every Christmas Eve. As soon as the weather turned chilly, I would start longing for a hot, steamy cup. It wasn't unitl I was away at college that I finally thought to ask her for the recipe! I place the whole cloves into a tea ball strainer so they're easy to remove when the tea is ready. If you don't have a tea ball, you can place the cloves in cheesecloth as directed. —Sharon Flenniken, Charlotte, North Carolina

My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me. I am not usually crazy about fish, but the fresh raspberry sauce makes this cod simply scrumptious. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It’s still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California

My Nana used to make these cupcakes at Christmas every year. Even though she is no longer with us, the cakes have special meaning and it brings me joy to bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it high on top of each cupcake. —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri

When I was a girl, it was a rare occasion when Mom made a gourmet meal. Most often, she relied on traditional recipes like this one. My sister and I ate more than our share of these versatile golden rolls. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan

I love my slow cooker, especially during the holidays. My mother used to make this turkey stew every year with our Thanksgiving leftovers. The recipe is simple and really celebrates the natural flavors of good, simple ingredients. To this day, it is one of my favorite meals. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schapp, Cincinnati, Ohio

My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio

After tasting this pie at my sister-in-law's house, I had to have the recipe. I love the chocolate and raspberry layers separated by a dreamy cream layer. It's a joy to serve this standout treat! —Ruth Bartel, Morris, Manitoba

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

Aunt Ruth was our nanny when I was little and made this cheesecake often. Since it had to chill overnight, it was torture when my sister and I had to wait until the next day to have a piece. When I visited my old neighborhood and stopped by her house, she offered me a piece of that wonderful cheesecake. I made sure to leave with a copy of the recipe! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky

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

I remember Aunt Murna telling me that she created her jam cake recipe as a young girl. She made improvements over the years, such as soaking the raisins in crushed pineapple. This cake is a favorite at our annual family reunions. —Mrs. Eddie Robinson, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

My sister-in-law used to own a pizza restaurant and gave me this awesome recipe that features ground beef, cheddar and thousand island dressing. We like it on whole-wheat crust. —Katie Buckley, Wyoming, Delaware

I treasure my mother’s recipe for these comforting cookie pillows. The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. —Jane Darling, Simi Valley, California

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

I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

This old-fashioned potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

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

This recipe, which my sister gave me more than 30 years ago, is perfect whenever friends drop by—it mixes up in a jiffy, yet it’s substantial and satisfying. —Cora Dowling, Toledo, Ohio

Whenever we went to visit my Aunt Ione in south Georgia, her icebox cookies were our favorite treat. My mother later make these cookies, and I remember begging for a slice of the raw dough—I thought the unbaked cookies tasted just as great as the baked! —Jenny Hill, Meridianville, Alabama

Our Fourth of July feast wouldn't be complete without this cool, old-fashioned potato salad. It's my grandma's treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Since trying this stuffing recipe from my sister, I haven't made any other kind. It's so moist and tasty. When a big bowlful starts circulating around the table, happy holiday smiles get even bigger! —Connie Olson, Green River, Wyoming

My memories of Christmas always include my mom's pineapple cookies. The kids called her Roro, and we still make them every year to keep her memory alive. You can substitute your favorite flavor of preserves for the pineapple. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

Aunt Marion, my namesake, is like a grandma to me. She gave me this luscious salad recipe, which goes to all our family reunions, hunt club suppers and snowmobile club picnics...and I go home with no leftovers! —Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania

My sister-in-law passed this kid-friendly recipe to me. Since she prefers her foods much spicier that we do, I cut back on the heat by reducing the amount of hot pepper sauce. Feel free to increase it or add your favorite herbs if you want more kick. —Audrey Wall, Industry, Pennsylvania

I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

Not only is this recipe a favorite of my husband's, it's extra special to me because it goes back to my great-grandmother. For holidays, we like to sprinkle on colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota

My younger sister, Jean, shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich, and it has been proven to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin

This dense, dark, moist fruitcake was my grandmother's recipe. The flavor just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge, so be sure to make it ahead! —Debbie Harmon, Lavina, Montana

These fluffy biscuits are so tasty slathered with butter or used to mop up every last drop of gravy off your plate. I can still see Mom pulling these tender gems out of the oven. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming

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

No other fudge I've tasted comes close to the smooth, chocolate taste of this recipe, which my mother-in-law introduced me to one Christmas (I've never been able to make it as good as she does, though). Since it makes such a large batch, I always save some for last-minute gifts. —Gloria Heidner, Elk River, Minnesota

When my brother, sister and I were young, Mom would bake this cinnamon-scented oatmeal before driving us to school. Whenever I make it, I have lots of happy memories. —Vincent Taylor, Houston, Texas

We often serve this hearty dish at family gatherings, and the men especially seem to enjoy it. My sister gave me the recipe about 15 years ago. It’s been a favorite ever since. The unusual blend of ingredients is a pleasant surprise. —Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin

Mrs. Ina was an older lady who came to our church for many years. She made an amazing corn relish. I whip up my own batch to give to friends at Christmastime. —Brenda Wooten, Dayton, Tennessee

As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota

My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania