96 Recipes from the Women We Love

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

When my grandma served this shortcake, she usually topped it with homemade vanilla ice cream. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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White Lasagna

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

Tillie's Ginger Crumb Cake

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

Mom's Chocolate Bread

My mom made this divine chocolaty bread for holidays or at special request. I always think of my family when I smell it baking. —Rachel Rhodes, Princeton, North Carolina

Grandma Pruit's Vinegar Pie

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

Apple Pear Cake

When my sister Catherine made her apple cake for me, I knew I needed the recipe. For my version, 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

Ramona's Chilaquiles

A dear neighbor shared this recipe. She used to make it from scratch, but my version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Gluten-Free Potato Salad

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, this gluten-free potato salad still takes me home again. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

Caramel-Pecan Sticky Buns

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

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

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

Grandmother's Toad in a Hole

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 Mother's Lemony Chicken with Broccoli

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

Sheepherder's Breakfast

My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy 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

Italian Bread

A basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.

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. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania

Lemon Tea Cookies

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

Mama's Warm German Potato Salad

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

Grandma's Sour Cream Raisin Pie

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

Wholesome Wheat Bread

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

Fried Apples

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

Aunt Lou's Fresh Apple Cake

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

German Vegetable Soup

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

Mom's Potato Pancakes

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

Aunt Nancy's Cream of Crab Soup

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, Buford, Georgia

Pear Tart

This lovely pear tart features warm fall spices and delicious fruit, plus a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling and a nutty, buttery crust.

Swedish Meatballs

Whip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!

German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen)

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

Raisin Bread Pudding

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

Mom's Roast Beef

Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

Aunt Edith's Baked Pancake

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

Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

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

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

Aunt Frances' Lemonade

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 her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

White Bean Chicken Chili

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

Baki's Old-World Cookies

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

Mom's Garlic Pork Roast

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

Gran's Apple Cake

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 recipe one that we treasured. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California

Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

For a fast and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Spanish rice with ground beef—it's the ultimate one-skillet dinner when you only have 20 minutes to cook.

Grandma's Seafood Chowder

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

Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning

This mild salsa recipe for canning helps keep summer goodness stocked in the pantry year-round.

Southern Dressing

This homemade Southern dressing is a marvelous side dish for both holiday and everyday dinners. Crumbled cornbread is mixed with seasonings, vegetables, cream of chicken soup and broth to create a dish that can easily serve a crowd.

Peach Cobbler Recipe

The first step to making peach cobbler? You have to choose perfect peaches. We'll walk you through the recipe.

Meat Loaf

This traditional meat loaf recipe creates a tender, juicy meat loaf topped with a caramelized glaze. The best part: It’s so easy to make, and it’s ready to eat in about an hour!

Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken Dinner

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

Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

With our oatmeal coconut cookies, there's no need to choose between a crispy cookie and a chewy one. You can have the best of both worlds with this recipe.

Lemon Custard Pie

This dreamy lemon custard pie features a delicate, almost mousse-like filling, thanks to the genius addition of whipped egg whites.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Custard Sauce

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

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

Aunt Betty's Blueberry Muffins

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

Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

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

Grandma's Cajun Chicken & Spaghetti

I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

Ham 'n' Tater Bake

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's Sweet Potato Bake

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

Grandma's Sugar Cookies

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

Roasted Red Potato Salad

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

Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup

My mother was a pastor's wife, and she did a lot of cooking for potlucks. This recipe is 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

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

Bacon & Egg Lasagna

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

Cod with Raspberry Sauce

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

Mom's Chopped Coleslaw

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

Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting

Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri

Cloverleaf Rolls

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

Momma’s Turkey Stew with Dumplings

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

Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole

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

Chocolate Raspberry Pie

After tasting this pie at my sister-in-law's house, I had to get the recipe. A dreamy cream cheese filling separates the tangy raspberry layer from the chocolate topping. Garnish with fresh berries for an extra-special presentation. —Ruth Bartel, Morris, Manitoba

Aunt Ruth's Famous Butterscotch Cheesecake

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

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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

Grandma's Spinach Salad

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

Aunt Murna's Jam Cake

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

Mom's Buttermilk Cookies

These soft, tangy buttermilk cookies are topped with creamy frosting are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Southern Collard Greens

Cooking collard greens is easier than you’d think. This southern collard greens recipe is full of smoky, savory flavor, and the broth is good enough to drink. You’ll want to dunk a piece of cornbread in it!

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Potato Salad

Everyone needs a reliable potato salad recipe in their repertoire, and this one is classic in its simplicity. It's quick and versatile, and it will go with just about anything.

Grandma's Star Cookies

My husband's grandma would make these butter cutouts only with a star cookie cutter. I use various shapes for celebrations throughout the year. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana

Upside-Down Meat Pie

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

Aunt Ione's Icebox Cookies

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

Grandma's Potato Salad

This salad is a must for the Fourth of July feast. The red potatoes hold their shape and texture even after they are boiled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Wild Rice Stuffing

This wild rice stuffing has a nutty, earthy flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. It pairs beautifully with a plate of Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.

Roro's Pineapple Cookies

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's Fruit Salad Dessert

Make this fruit salad with vanilla pudding for an easy picnic dessert. Featuring a mix of fresh fruits and a creamy vanilla pudding sauce, it’s a versatile dish that's simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Spicy Potato Soup

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

Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup

I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 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

Great-Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies

This yummy cookie—a favorite of my husband's—goes back to my great-grandmother. At Christmastime, we use colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota

Dilly Beef Sandwiches

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

Grandma's Molasses Fruitcake

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

Mom's Buttermilk Biscuits

These fluffy buttermilk 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

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

Mama's Million-Dollar Fudge

No other fudge I've tasted comes close to the smooth, chocolate taste of this million-dollar fudge 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

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

This one-pot breakfast of chewy spiced oatmeal baked over a bed of bananas and blueberries makes this blueberry baked oatmeal worthy of a permanent spot at the breakfast table.

Sauerkraut Hot Dish

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

Bacon Pasta

This bacon pasta recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight meals. Combining crispy bacon with a slow-simmered tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti, it’s a comfort food classic.

Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme

With only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, creamy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme is one of the easiest treats. It makes a great food gift, too!