The Hand-Me-Down Recipes Podcast

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 AuctionTips for upgrading your pie crust with local ingredientsHow leaf lard makes all the differenceWhy pie crust freezes beautifullyThe power of baking as an act of love and memoryLet 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/

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 winterMy approach to seasonal, no-stress cookingHow soup can be a quiet act of rebellion against perfectionismInviting others to join in this weekly rhythm—no pressure, no perfection, just soupIf 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/

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 recipeWhy cookie tables at weddings matterTips for freezing, shipping, and gifting holiday cookiesThe Sweetest Season cookie exchangeSalty-sweet combos and baking with connectionGrab 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/

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, 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/

In this episode, Kathie is joined by Tiffany from Well Fed Baker to share the story of a cherished family recipe: her great-grandfather’s famous butter rolls. First baked in a small-town Idaho bakery in the 1930s, these buttery, yeasted rolls have been passed down through generations and are still a beloved treat at family gatherings today.We talk about:The origin and legacy of the butter roll recipeHow Tiffany learned to bake them alongside her grandmotherTips for working with rich yeasted doughFun new ideas (hello, rum-soaked dried fruit and chocolate frosting!)Whether you’re a nostalgic baker, a fan of vintage recipes, or someone who loves hearing how food connects us to family and place, this episode will warm your heart and maybe inspire you to bake a batch of your own.Get the recipe & other links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-13/

In this heartwarming conversation, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Marcella Cantatore of Marcellina in Cucina to share the story behind her family’s treasured saffron risotto recipe. Passed down from her grandmother in Milan to her father in tropical North Queensland, this dish carries decades of tradition, adaptation, and love.Marcella shares how she learned to cook not from measuring cups, but by standing next to her dad—absorbing tips like “don’t let the onions go past ginger,” saving parmesan rinds for extra flavor, and adding a good knob of butter at the end. You’ll hear the history of adapting recipes when ingredients weren’t available, the secret to achieving risotto’s perfect wave-like texture, and creative ways to transform leftovers into a frittata.Whether you’re here for authentic Italian cooking inspiration, slow food stories, or simply the reminder that food can connect us deeply to our roots, this episode will leave you feeling both inspired and hungry.Get full show notes, recipe links & more: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-11/Find us on Substack: https://handmedownrecipespodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Padma from My Good Food World to share a beloved, three-generation Indian recipe made with bottle gourd (lauki).This simple, nourishing dish is rich in family history and tradition. Padma walks us through how her grandmother passed the recipe to her mother, who passed it to her along with very specific tips like never cooking the ginger!Whether you have access to bottle gourd or need to swap in zucchini, Padma offers practical advice for adapting the recipe while keeping its heart intact.We talk about:Cooking with bottle gourd and its substitutesUsing spices like mustard seeds and asafoetida for flavorThe beauty of simple, frugal, everyday foodHow leftovers become comforting soupWhy hand-me-down recipes connect us to our rootsThis is a gentle, encouraging conversation about seasonal cooking, honoring tradition, and savoring simple meals that nourish body and spirit.Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-9/

In this cozy and nostalgic episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic is joined by longtime friend Angi Schneider from Creative Simple Living to talk about a cherished family recipe: her grandmother’s bread and butter pickles.Together, they explore the story behind the recipe, how flavors like celery seed sparked childhood memories, and what it means to preserve food—and family history—with intention. They also share practical canning tips, ways to keep your pickles crisp, and why bread and butter pickles might just be the gateway to loving all pickles.Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned preserver, this episode will inspire you to honor your own kitchen traditions—and maybe even try something new.Full full notes and links : https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-7/

In this heartwarming episode, Kathie is joined by Kate Doubler of Real Food RN to talk all about German potato dumplings — a simple, nostalgic dish that carries deep family roots. Together, they explore how a humble bowl of dumplings can become a powerful connection to heritage, memory, and seasonal comfort. From tips on using leftover mashed potatoes to making grain-free versions with cassava flour, this chat is packed with practical wisdom and cozy storytelling. Kate shares fond memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, how food brought her family together, and the little traditions she’s now passing on to her own children. Whether you’re looking for kitchen inspiration, a new way to enjoy winter meals, or just love stories that celebrate slow, intentional living — this episode is for you. Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-5/

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic talks with Abbe Odenwalder of This Is How I Cook about a cherished family favorite—Ilsa’s Passover Cake. More than just a sponge cake, it’s a story of tradition, resilience, and sweet memories passed through generations. Tune in to hear the touching history behind the recipe, practical tips for baking it yourself, and how food connects us to those we love. Get Full Show Notes & Recipe links on Hand-Me-Down Recipes

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Puja from Indiaphile shares the fascinating history of Barley Malpua, a 5,000-year-old Indian dessert first mentioned in the Rigveda. Kathie and Puja discuss its ancient roots, modern adaptations, and creative twists, making this heritage recipe approachable for today’s kitchens. Whether you stick to barley and honey or try maple syrup, chai spice, or even sprinkles, this episode celebrates the joy of preserving tradition while making food your own."Food is history, culture, and creativity—all on one plate." – PujaTune in and bring a little ancient sweetness to your kitchen!For full show notes and resources visit our website: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-1/