Grandma’s Rice Pudding
My siblings and I have always had a soft spot for the rice pudding recipe that our grandmother used to make. When she was gone, I decided to take it upon myself to recreate her famous dish through trial and error. Finally, after much tweaking, I managed to perfect it! Here’s an uncomplicated version of that beloved recipe which I am happy to pass along.
—Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Grandma’s English Trifle
This delightful trifle recipe has been passed down through my family. Grandma used to prepare a large portion of it for Saturday evening meals whenever we had visitors over. Any leftover trifle would then be enjoyed each night that week until it was all consumed!
—Ruth Verratti, from Gasport, New York
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Green Tomato Pie
As soon as the frost bites into our garden, I swiftly pick all the green tomatoes remaining on the vines and whip up this cherished family dish. This recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, and nowadays, even my granddaughters request to try making it themselves.
—Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington.
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Grandma’s Poultry Dressing
Each household appears to have its cherished salad dressing recipe that turns into a custom, and here’s ours. The recipe originated with grandma, who then handed it over to my mom. Our kids now continue the tradition by bringing it into their own cooking spaces. Indeed, this is an excellent classic recipe!
—Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
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Martha Washington Candy
This beloved Martha Washington candy recipe has been passed down from my grandmother and mother. It’s a treasured family custom. Each of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren have also had the joy of taking turns stirring the candy mix!
Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
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Swedish Meatballs with Pan Gravy
These meatballs were crafted by my great-grandmother, who was likely taught how to make them by her own mother. For six generations, they've been cherished, and one of my daughters even featured them at her wedding ceremony.
—Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
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Grandma’s Sweet Potato Biscuits
The recipe for these delicately flavored biscuits belonged to my grandmother. It's a beloved family tradition that we always prepare during holidays.
—Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
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Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy
When I was young, my grandmother showed me how to prepare this chicken fried steak. I passed this knowledge along to my daughters, and once my granddaughters grow up a bit, I will teach them as well.
—Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
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Grandma’s Christmas Cake
A single bite of this classic spiced cake will transport everyone back in time. Packed with raisins and nuts, it becomes even more delightful when topped with a thick, creamy, butter-based sauce.
—Linda Stemen, Monroeville, Indiana
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Turkey Dumpling Stew
When I was younger, my mother would prepare this stew, and everyone always enjoyed it. Given how quick it is to make, I often whip it up on weekends for our kids, who particularly adore the soft dumplings.
—Becky Mohr, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Apple Dumpling Bake
I got this recipe for baked apple dumplings using Mountain Dew from a friend, and I adjusted it to fit my family's preferences. The soda is undoubtedly the "special" component in this indulgent apple treat.
—Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana.
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Raisin Bread and Sausage Breakfast Bake
During our Sunday morning meals with my grandparents, my mother frequently prepared this dish specifically for grandfather as he loved it immensely. The combination of pork sausage and cinnamon bread surprisingly harmonizes well in flavor.
—Carolyn Levan, Dixon, Illinois
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Mom’s Italian Beef Sandwiches
My mother prepared the finest Italian beef sandwiches. Although I've enhanced them over time, they remain based on her original recipe. She used to make these sandwiches for our family gatherings, and they always disappeared completely.
Mary McVey from Colfax, North Carolina
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Old-Fashioned Applesauce
Growing up, our yard was filled with various types of apple trees, but I'm not certain which variety Mama preferred for making applesauce. (Nowadays, I opt for Cortland apples.) One thing I remember clearly is that her applesauce always turned out exceptionally pale. She would soak the apples in saltwater as soon as she cut them to prevent browning before peeling them; this was her secret to keeping the sauce light-colored.
—Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
My mother made sure that my grandmother put together a recipe for her at her wedding in 1942. It had to be the instructions for making peanut butter cookies completely from scratch. This turned out to be quite an undertaking since Grandma was more of a classic pioneer-style chef who just went with "a bit of this and a touch of that" until everything felt perfect. Out of all the recipes, this particular one is the sole written record we have from her!
—Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin
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Aunt Marion’s Fruit Salad Treat
My aunt Marion, who shares my name, acts as a grandmother to me. She shared this delightful salad recipe that makes an appearance at every family reunion, hunt club dinner, and snowmobile club picnic—and I always head home without any leftovers!
—Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania
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Mom’s Potato Pancakes
These traditional pancakes have a soft interior and a crunchy exterior. The addition of onion provides a pleasant taste. My mom acquired this recipe from her grandmother, which means we've been savoring it for many years now.
—Dianne Esposito, New Middletown, Ohio
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Banana Cream Pie
Crafted using our farm-fresh dairy items, this pie turned out to be an exquisite creamy delight every time mom prepared it. Her recipe is truly invaluable, and I have yet to come across another version that surpasses its flavor!
—Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri.
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Sugar-Glazed Ham
This traditional sugar glaze will lend your ham a lovely, golden-brown finish reminiscent of what grandma would prepare. The addition of mustard and vinegar enhances the brown sugar and imparts a zesty flavor to this glazed ham dish. You might want to brace yourself for requests for second helpings!
—Carol Strong Battle, from Heathsville, Virginia
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Delicious Apple Salad
This delicious fruit salad was a beloved recipe from my great-grandmother. My relatives always savor it, and I feel content knowing it benefits their health as well.
—Sue Gronholz, from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Winnie's Tiny Rhubarb and Strawberry Tarts
Each spring, we enjoyed strawberries and rhubarb at our farm near Seattle. Those fruit-filled handheld pies bring back memories of those seasons and Grandma Winnie’s wonderful baking.
—Shawn Carleton, from San Diego, California
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Oktoberfest Red Cabbage
The fourth generation of our family gathers for Oktoberfest. We really enjoy this tangy yet sweet delicacy made with red cabbage and apples, commonly called rotkohl.
—Diana Likes, Chandler, Arizona
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No-Knead Knot Rolls
My mother, Velma Perkins, enjoyed preparing these delicate, golden rolls during my childhood on our Iowa farm. These rolls are particularly delightful because they do not necessitate any kneading. The dough can be left to rise slowly in the fridge overnight, which means minimal last-minute effort is needed to enjoy freshly baked warm rolls alongside any meal.
—Toni Hilscher Omaha, Nebraska
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Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Whenever I felt under the weather, my mother would prepare her comforting chicken noodle soup for me. It was particularly calming during a cold, yet this delicious soup brings warmth on every cool day.
—Anthony Graham, Ottawa, Illinois
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Grandmother’s Orange Salad
This citrus fruit salad offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Its vibrant hues can enhance any dining experience and cater to palates young and old alike!
—Ann Eastman, from Santa Monica, California
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Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
When I spent nights at her farm, my grandmother prepared the most delicious treats for us. The pizza she baked was piping hot from the oven, smothered in gooey cheese, and infused with aromatic herbs within the dough. Nowadays, this same pizza often becomes dinner for my spouse, our children, and me.
—Michele Madden, from Washington Court House, Ohio
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Daughter’s Apple Crisp
My mom's apple crisp is unparalleled throughout all of Texas, really! However, I made some adjustments, which allowed me to reduce my time cooking and increase the moments spent chatting with my lively 92-year-old mother.
—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Apricot Amaretto Jam
This rich, chunky apricot jam was passed down from my grandmother; it's wonderful to prepare something for my loved ones that she once created for her own family!
—Linda Wegner, Robinson, Illinois.
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Simple Frozen Treat Sundae Dessert
The children we were could hardly contain our excitement waiting to dive into this alluring ice cream treat. Its texture is wonderfully cool and silky, complete with a swirl of fudge running through it. Every time I prepare it for my loved ones, memories of my mother flood back.
—Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
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Corn Stuffing Balls
My mother possessed numerous "victorious" recipes, and this was among our family's top picks. Even now, I can vividly recall those Corn Stuffing Balls surrounding the generous serving platter heaped with one of her mouthwatering main dishes.
—Audrey Groe, from Lake Mills, Iowa
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Lemon Tea Cookies
These sandwich cookies boast a rich, buttery flavor with a delightful lemon center. This recipe has been passed down through our family since the 1950s when my mom acquired it from a French acquaintance at her club.
—Phyllis Dietz, Westland, Michigan
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Lahmajoon (Armenian Pizza)
Given my family’s Armenian heritage, I was raised among excellent chefs. As Armenian cuisine tends to be quite elaborate and requires considerable effort, preparing for any gathering would begin well before just days ahead. Although I picked up most of my culinary skills from my mother, I’ve modified numerous recipes she taught me—making them more nutritious, streamlined, and faster—to create versions such as this updated take on Armenian pizza.
—Jean L. Ecos, from Hartland, Wisconsin
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Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt and Almond Topping
My grandmother, known as Dot, would often prepare rhubarb compote and kept some frozen for whenever I dropped by. This morning’s dish pays homage to her. Each piece of rhubarb can vary significantly, hence ensure you sample your compote prior to chilling it. The flavor ought to have a tangy edge; however, occasionally, it might require an additional touch of sweetness.
—Michael Hoffman, from Brooklyn, New York
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Bourbon Ham Balls
Granny Nette ruled supreme when it came to ham ball recipes. My version is a blend of sweet and salty flavors, enhanced with a touch of bourbon and vinegar. Enjoy these treats as they are, tucked into a sandwich, or tossed with some pasta or rice for an extra twist.
—Kimla Carsten from Grand Junction, Colorado
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Secret-Ingredient Stuffed Eggs
What I do with deviled eggs will surely surprise you. This classic comfort food, which reminds me of my mom’s cooking, now features an elegant twist with mangoes, goat cheese, and pecans. Everyone enjoys these delightful snacks.
—Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware.
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Grandma’s Collard Greens
My grandma prepared the finest collard greens globally. Savoring them alongside a piece of buttermilk cornbread is sheer delight.
—Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
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Nancy's CrabSoup
My sibling, Nancy, ranks among the finest chefs I've encountered. For my granddaughter’s wedding, I compiled a recipe book featuring some cherished family dishes—Nancy’s soup was an essential inclusion. We frequently enjoyed this soup paired with a salad prior to attending Christmas Eve church services.
—Lynne German, from Woodland Hills, California
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Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers
On my mother's side of the family, we have roots tracing back to Germany and Ireland. After settling in Pennsylvania, they embraced certain culinary practices and traditions from the Pennsylvania Dutch community. One such recipe, which my mother adored, has become my go-to choice for a delightful garden salad. Its flavor pairs exceptionally well with a serving of freshly grown tomatoes.
—Shirley Joan Helfenbein from Lapeer, Michigan
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Caesar Orange Roughy
I'm extremely grateful that my mom taught me how to cook when I was young. Over the years, she has won multiple cooking competitions, and this happens to be one of my favorite recipes from her collection.
—Mary Lou Boyce, from Wilmington, Delaware
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Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie
Growing up on a farm, I frequently enjoyed rhubarb, which naturally led me to incorporate it into pies. For an exceptionally flaky crust, I opt for lard, and for the filling, I choose slender, crimson rhubarb stalks. These simple tricks were key to winning first place at the 2013 Iowa State Fair with this recipe.
—Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
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Icebox Rolls
I recall my mother preparing these rolls nearly every Saturday, ensuring they would be baked and ready on Sundays when we had guests or unexpected visitors. While they do require some effort to put together, they aren’t particularly challenging to make. Plus, you won’t find anything comparable in stores!
—Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
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Deliciously Tangy Pineapple Cheese Spread
My go-to dish from my younger days was my mother’s pineapple and green pepper cheeseball. Whenever I prepare it now, it never fails to be a big success.
—Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland
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Thyme and Basil Crisped Pork
Father's beloved roast pork was seasoned with cinnamon, thyme, basil, and lemon. He enjoyed hefty servings and preferred just a simple salad to complete his dinner.
—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
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Apricot Gelatin Mold
My mom would prepare this apricot Jell-O salad for special occasions. During our courtship, my partner became fond of this dessert, and shortly after getting married, he requested that I obtain the recipe from her. For a summery twist, you could use either peach or orange gelatin instead.
—Suzanne Holcomb, from St. Johnsville, New York
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Grandma’s Cajun Chicken and Spaghetti
I hail from Louisiana, where my grandmother would speak Cajun French while teaching me how to make her zesty chicken spaghetti, tenderly prepared on a vintage wooden stove.
—Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
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Skillet Herb Bread
This recipe was among my mother’s most beloved. It evokes the flavor of cornbread stuffing!
—Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California.
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Three-Layered Carrot Cake
My mother adored carrots so deeply that she incorporated them into numerous recipes almost daily during my childhood. Her signature dish was a scrumptious homemade carrot cake, which became an essential part of every celebration. On her seventieth birthday, as I presented her with this cake, tears welled up in her eyes with each mouthful.
Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
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Sausage-Vegetable Egg Bake
As children, our mother would nestle fresh Swiss chard from her garden into this cozy casserole. Nowadays, I cultivate the chard, prepare the meal, and relish the nostalgia.
—Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California
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Mom’s Sweet Potato Bake
Your mother adores sweet potatoes and frequently prepared them in this rich, soothing baked sweet potato casserole. Featuring a crunchy nutty crust, this side dish can be nearly as indulgent as a dessert. It’s absolutely delicious!
—Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
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Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
As a child in Texas, I frequently assisted my grandmother with cooking. Adding lemon and cilantro gives the turkey soup a wonderfully distinct flavor.
—Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
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Cookie Jar Gingersnaps
My grandmother maintained two cookie jars in her pantry. The jar that I currently possess was always filled with those crunchy yet chewy gingersnaps, which remain my all-time favorite cookie recipe. My daughter, Becky, utilized this same recipe for a 4-H fair project and earned a blue ribbon.
—Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas
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Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Your mom must have made some delicious homegrown green beans with this recipe; they surely were quite tasty. The bacon adds a robust flavor, while the brown sugar gives them just enough sweetness. It’s an incredibly tempting side dish.
—Willa Govoro from St. Clair, Missouri
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12-Hour Salad
Mom’s delightful plan to encourage her children to consume veggies was this delectable recipe. The vibrant and crisp salad always went down well whenever she prepared it. She considered making this salad ahead of time as an advantage for herself, seeing that it needed to marinate overnight.
—Dorothy Bowen, Thomasville, North Carolina
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Great-Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies
This dish isn't just beloved by my spouse; it holds a special place in my heart as it traces back to my great-grandmother. During festivities, we add some colored sugar on top to make it even more charming.
—Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota
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Apple Kuchen Bars
This apple cake is all about family, coziness, and straightforwardness. My mother used to bake this delightful dessert on numerous winter evenings and would serve it piping hot alongside her renowned homemade ice cream. I prefer to prepare twice the amount so I can share the affection!
—Elizabeth Monfort, Celina, Ohio.
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Grandma’s Pea Soup
My grandmother’s pea soup was a beloved family dish. Its uniqueness comes from using whole peas along with spaetzle-like "dumplings" and sausage. Once you try it, you won’t want to stop.
—Carole Talcott, Dahinda, Illinois
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Rhubarb Cherry Pie
When I was a little girl, I aspired to bake pies just like my mom could. (I still have her rolling pin; it measures 2 feet in length and 8 inches in width!) Actually, this particular recipe is my mom's rhubarb-strawberry pie, but with cherries substituted in. I initially prepared this pie two decades ago for a church event—and ever since then, people have been seeking it out at every potluck dinner!
—Eunice Hurt, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Creamy Paprika Pork
As a child, I frequently asked my mother to prepare her "special meat." What she understood was that I wanted our classic pork dish. This recipe has been passed down through our family for over three decades and remains a beloved staple!
—Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
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Dilly Potato and Egg Salad
Everybody has their go-to potato salad, and this one is mine. When I became a newlywed, I was enthusiastic about learning to prepare dishes that my spouse would enjoy. By blending my mother’s recipe with that of my husband’s mother, we ended up with this delightful creation.
—Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
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Grandma Krause’s Coconut Cookies
When my two daughters were little, their great-grandmother baked for them coconut cookies loaded with oats. Luckily, she passed along the recipe.
—Debra Dorn, Homosassa, Florida
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Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle
When I was a child, my grandmother would prepare a variation of this dish for me. It included apples plucked directly from her backyard tree. Over time, I've modified her original recipe as I adore the blend of flavors like apple, pecan, and caramel.
—Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
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Herbed Garlic Potatoes
My mother prepares food from scratch and seldom relies on recipes. It was through her approach—using a bit of this and a sprinkle of that—that I picked up cooking skills. However, it was really my father who came up with the core concept behind this particular recipe. These potatoes can be served at both elaborate dinners and casual burger gatherings—and people always ask me for the instructions.
—Sherry DesJardin, Fairbanks, Alaska
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P.S. I Adore You Cake
As I grew up, there was always a delicious dessert to enjoy at home. My mother gave this cake a dual-meaning name: P.S., which stands both for poppy seed and as a loving message to our family.
—Sue Groetsch, La Crosse, Wisconsin
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Granny's Buttermilk Raisin Tart
The scent of this pie cooking in my rural kitchen stove brings back memories of my beloved grandmother, who used to bake this beautiful pie for festive times.
—Beverly Medalen, from Willow City, North Dakota
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Roast Spiced Chicken
Have you ever had an old, stained index card recipe passed down from your mom? Our family’s spiced chicken dish has been around for over five decades.
—Cindy Kanwar, Blacklick, Ohio
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Grandma Schwartz’s Rouladen
This recipe belonged to my grandma Schwartz. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher, and this dish was among his—and our—favorites. When accompanied by mashed potatoes enriched with butter and sour cream, it becomes a truly special beef entrée.
—Lynda Sharai, from Summer Lake, Oregon
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Mom’s Meat Loaf
My mom used to make the most delicious meatloaf, and now I can create one just as good. The first time I met my husband, he wasn't fond of homemade meatloaf, but this recipe definitely won him over.
—Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
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Grandma Brubaker’s Orange Cookies
At minimum, members from two different generations in my family have relished this recipe for those light-orange flavored biscuits.
—Sheri DeBolt, Huntington, Indiana
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Mom’s Roast Beef
This perfectly seasoned roast is your mother's signature dish. Everybody enjoys pieces of the melt-in-your-mouth roast beef accompanied by its flavorful gravy, and folks constantly inquire about her special ingredients. Here you get the tasty recipe for our beloved meal!
—Linda Gaido, from New Brighton, Pennsylvania
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Crisp Sugar Cookies
My grandmother consistently kept sugar cookies in her pantry, and us grandkids would swiftly finish off that large jar since they were the finest! Now, I frequently prepare these delightful cookies to enjoy with my friends.
—Evelyn Poteet, Hancock, Maryland.
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