The Hand-Me-Down Recipes Podcast

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In today’s episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m joined by John Browning, a kindred spirit I met at a local pie auction here in Montana. John shares the tender story of his family’s pie crust recipe — a tradition shaped by the hands of his mother and grandmother, perfected through summer berry picking, and lovingly upgraded with local ingredients and personal touches.

We talk about the quiet joy of being in the kitchen, how food connects generations, and why the simple act of baking a pie can hold so much memory and meaning.

Whether you’ve made hundreds of pies or are still unsure about rolling out dough, this episode invites you to slow down and savor the beauty of passed-down recipes and seasonal living.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Land to Hand Pie Auction
• Tips for upgrading your pie crust with local ingredients
• How leaf lard makes all the difference
• Why pie crust freezes beautifully
• The power of baking as an act of love and memory

Let this episode remind you that some of the sweetest traditions come wrapped in a bit of flour and a whole lot of love.

Get the full recipes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-23/

Amy Casey joins me to share the story of her family's treasured pound cake recipe — a cake that's always on the pedestal, always ready to welcome guests.

We talk about handwritten cookbooks, the magic of simple ingredients (yes, even Imperial margarine!), and why recipes passed down through generations hold a special kind of love.

It’s a sweet reminder that simple food and family stories go hand in hand.

For links & full show notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-20/

In this solo episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of sharing someone else’s family recipe, I’m sharing a rhythm I’ve been leaning into this winter—what I’m calling my season of soup.

Soup has long been a comforting staple in my home: simple, frugal, adaptable, and always nourishing. It's the kind of food that doesn’t demand a recipe—just what’s in the pantry and a bit of time. This winter, I’ve committed to making one pot of soup each week and sharing it gently on social media, as a way to slow down, stay grounded, and feed ourselves well without fuss.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why soup feels just right for winter
• My approach to seasonal, no-stress cooking
• How soup can be a quiet act of rebellion against perfectionism
• Inviting others to join in this weekly rhythm—no pressure, no perfection, just soup

If you’ve got a hand-me-down soup recipe or a story to share, I’d love to hear it. These are the kinds of traditions that warm more than just our bellies—they connect us to who we are and where we come from.

Let’s make this a season of nourishment, one simmering pot at a time.

Follow me on Instagram for the Monday soup recipes: https://www.instagram.com/handmedownrecipes/

Join us on Substack: https://handmedownrecipespodcast.substack.com/

I’m joined by Dana Shrager of Dana’s Table to revisit a beloved dish from her childhood: salmon mousse. Known in her family as “the salmon ball,” this recipe was a staple at her mother’s dinner parties and comes from a well-loved, spiral-bound community cookbook—complete with handwritten notes and timeworn stains. 

We talk about the memories tied to that dish, the joy of discovering old recipes just as they were left, and how Dana has brought new life to it—turning it into a modern-day brunch favorite and crowd-pleasing appetizer. This isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about connection, creativity, and preserving family stories one bite at a time. 

Whether you're here for vintage recipes, holiday inspiration, or just love hearing about the deep ties between food and memory, you’ll feel right at home. 

For full episode notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-20/

This week on Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie is joined by Erin from The Speckled Palate for a deliciously nostalgic conversation all about potato chip cookies—a unique family recipe that’s salty, sweet, and full of love.

Together they talk about the joy of baking during the holidays, the beauty of handed-down recipes, and how one special cookie made its way from grandma’s kitchen to a wedding in Portugal (and yes, it survived the flight!).

If you’ve ever baked with your heart, shared cookies as a love language, or wondered if a cookie could hold a memory—this cozy episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Erin’s grandmother’s famous potato chip cookie recipe
• Why cookie tables at weddings matter
• Tips for freezing, shipping, and gifting holiday cookies
• The Sweetest Season cookie exchange
• Salty-sweet combos and baking with connection

Grab a warm drink, settle in, and join us as we celebrate the simple magic of holiday baking.

For full notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-19/

What happens when a well-worn Betty Crocker cookbook, a beloved family recipe, and a major life decision all come together in one kitchen?

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Luci Petlack of Luci’s Morsels to talk about the coffee cake that ties generations together. Luci shares how this simple, cinnamon-laced recipe not only brings joy to her family’s table but also played a surprising role in her journey from academia to creative entrepreneurship.

It’s a heartfelt conversation about letting go of “shoulds,” baking as therapy, and finding clarity—one streusel layer at a time.

Whether you’re here for the cozy food stories, the honest life talk, or both, you’ll feel right at home.

Get links & full show notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-18/

In this episode, Kathie talks with Violet from Right at Home about her family’s cherished Thanksgiving turkey recipe—rooted in Amish and Mennonite tradition and passed down through years of memory and practice. This turkey is deeply seasoned, slow-roasted, and surprisingly simple, relying on an abundant blend of herbs, a touch of curry, and thoughtful techniques that keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by roasting a whole turkey, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded and prepared. We talk about planning ahead, why cutting slits in the meat matters, how to baste without stress, and the quiet joy of bringing heritage recipes to the holiday table.

Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-17/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I'm joined by Anne Clark of My Kitchen Serenity to talk all things jambalaya. Anne shares the story behind her family’s beloved chicken and sausage version — a recipe she first scribbled down from her dad over 30 years ago.

We dive into how she’s simplified this Cajun classic for busy home cooks, why it’s perfect for both holidays and weeknights, and the beauty of recipes that grow with us over time. Whether you’re new to jambalaya or looking for an easy, one-pot comfort meal, this episode is full of helpful tips and heartwarming reflections.

Listen in for:

• Practical cooking tips (including the magic of not lifting the lid!)
• Spice level flexibility
• Ideas for adapting the dish to what you have on hand
• The joy of passing down—and gently adapting—family recipes
• It’s a delicious reminder that simple food can carry deep roots.

Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-16/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic sits down with Christina from Christina’s Cucina to explore the beauty of peasant food through one of Italy’s most comforting classics — pasta e fagioli. Together, they talk about the magic of simple ingredients, how quality matters more than complexity, and why dishes like this endure for generations.

From choosing the right beans and pasta to embracing authentic, budget-friendly cooking, this conversation celebrates everyday comfort and the timeless wisdom of home cooks who make the most of what they have.

Perfect for anyone who loves Italian food, simple living, and recipes that feed both body and soul.

Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-15/