Imagine sitting down to a delicious meal, made from a recipe that has been passed down through your family for generations. The aroma fills the air, and memories of loved ones flood your mind. Or teaching your grandchildren how to bake from a recipe your grandmother taught you from.
Our collection of 32 recipes from around the world has been carefully curated to bring you the most beloved dishes from families just like yours. From savory stews to sweet treats, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.
Pasta all’Amatriciana
Every Sunday in the fall and winter my parents and I would drive home from the Catskills from a weekend of skiing – and dig into a quick hot meal, such as Pasta all’Amatriciana. My Mom and Dad met on a chairlift line; he was a dashing ski patrol member. I was put on skis when I was still in diapers and for most of my childhood, Dad was a ski instructor. It was a given that we would be skiing. Every. Weekend. This meant that after the 2 ½ hour drive home on Sunday nights we needed a quick dinner and Sunday night became pasta night. Get the recipe for Pasta all’Amatriciana.
All Beef Chili
My dad was the original “chili head” in my family and introduced us to this version, which was based on a world championship winning recipe. He took his chili seriously. I absolutely loved watching him make it and looked forward to eating it. He taught me how to use masa flour to thicken it, which I always thought was so interesting. We always served it with white rice, never any beans, and grated cheese on the side, as well as cabbage, to tame the heat. My Mom never made cornbread as a side, but now I always do. Get the recipe for All Beef Chili.
Peppermint Meringues
When I was growing up my Mom and I would make meringue cookies several times a year. At Christmas we would take a seasonal approach, such as these festive peppermint meringues. The stripes of red and white color are unique every time, which is part of their charm. Get the recipe for Peppermint Meringues.
Chocolate Raspberry Bûche de Noël
I know a Bûche de Noël is not everyday fare, but the tradition I have established with my kids is making some version of Bûche de Noël every Christmas – and we all look forward to it. The flavors change every year. This chocolate/raspberry one was a hit! Get the recipe for Chocolate Raspberry Bûche de Noël.
Meringue Mushrooms
Those mushrooms you see are crisp, meringue cookies dusted with cocoa. Meringue mushrooms are a classic European confections and Dédé always makes them to go with her annual Bûche de Noël. Her kids look forward to them every year – and they are always a conversation starter. Get the recipe for Meringue Mushrooms.
Italian Giardiniera
Bella Bucchiotti says, “This is my Nonna’s recipe. An authentic Italian giardiniera recipe consists of Italian pickled vegetables, making it the perfect condiment for Italian sandwiches, cured meats, cheese, grilled meats, pasta salads, and charcuterie boards. With fresh peppers and veggies, it adds a burst of flavor to any dish.” Get the recipe for Italian Giardiniera.
The Best Italian Meatballs
Nicole Gaffney brings us an Italian family favorite: “Straight from my Sicilian family’s traditional recipe using beef, pork, and veal and oven-baked to tender perfection, these are the best Italian meatballs you’ll ever taste! Better than even the best Italian restaurant.” Get the recipe for The Best Italian Meatballs.
Beef Noodle Stir Fry
This quick 15-minute beef noodle stir fry recipe from Joyce Lee’s Chinese family is easy to make, super flavorful and made with stir-fried beef, onions, spaghettini, and soy sauce. She says it was her ultimate childhood comfort food! Get the recipe for Beef Noodle Stir Fry.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Looking for a baked Eggplant Parm recipe? This one hails from Nicole Gaffney’s family: “This recipe for baked Eggplant Parmesan was passed down from my mom. It’s made with layers of crispy, lightly breaded eggplant, rich tomato sauce and three different types of Italian cheese. It’s easy to make and healthier than the traditional method because the eggplant gets broiled rather than fried.” Get the recipe for Baked Eggplant Parmesan.
Mushroom Ragu Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this delicious and flavorful mushroom ragu pasta sauce, made with garlic, wine, herbs, and a variety of fresh vegetables, from the family of Bella Buchiotti. This homemade spaghetti sauce is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty and healthy meal, and is sure to become your new favorite meatless ragu recipe. Get the recipe for Mushroom Ragu Pasta Sauce.
Authentic Lecsó – Hungarian Pepper Stew
Nandor Marta creates traditional Hungarian recipes. If you would like to eat lecsó like a native Hungarian, try this heirloom family recipe using tomatoes and Hungarian wax peppers. Get the recipe for Authentic Lecsó – Hungarian Pepper Stew.
Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Joyce Lee brings us a recipe from her Chinese heritage. Chinese steamed spare ribs with a homemade fermented black bean sauce that is quick and easy to make and big on flavor. Get the recipe for Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce.
Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies
Cara, The Gourmet Bon Vivant, brings us this molasses cookie recipe that has been in her family for generations. The furthest she can trace it back is to her great-grandmother, Florence. It’s still an absolute staple in her family today. Get the recipe for Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies.
Vegetarian Goulash Soup
The folks at My Pure Plants bring us to Hungary with a vegetarian goulash soup EXACTLY how Hungarians prepare it. Their family has been making bean goulash this way for generations. It is a 30-min simple, one-pot soup using only veggies and beans. Get the recipe for Vegetarian Goulash Soup.
Buzhenina – Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin
This recipe for Buzhenina, which is Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin, comes to us from Iryna of Lavender & Macarons. She tells us, “you have to try this AMAZING, juicy Buzhenina that hardly takes any effort to make. It’s a traditional Ukrainian recipe that uses 4 ingredients and never disappoints.” Get the recipe for Buzhenina – Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin.
Blueberry Chocolate Cake
Kirty Labra’s sister has a favorite cake, that Kirty loves as well. “This is my sister’s favourite recipe that she first baked for me on my birthday… It’s the best combination of chocolate and blueberry packed in one dessert. Moist Chocolate sponge cake layered with decadent dark chocolate ganache and tangy homemade blueberry jam.” Get the recipe for Blueberry Chocolate Cake.
Borscht Recipe With Cabbage And Beans
Ukrainian Iryna, of Lavender & Macarons, knows a thing or two about Borscht. Here, she shares everything she learned from her mom and grandma about making vegan Borscht. Get the recipe for Borscht Recipe With Cabbage And Beans.
Baingan Bharta (Roasted Mashed Eggplant)
Meeta Arora brings us authentic North Indian Baingan Bharta, which she learned from her mom when she visited from India last summer. Baingan Bharta, a popular smoky and zesty dish from North India, is made with roasted mashed eggplant sauteed in onion, garlic, tomatoes, and fragrant spices. Get the recipe for Baingan Bharta (Roasted Mashed Eggplant).
Egusi Soup – Nigerian Melon Seed Stew
This Nigerian melon seed stew was Tayo Oredola’s grandmother’s specialty and she watched her mom make it all the time growing up. Get the recipe for Egusi Soup – Nigerian Melon Seed Stew.
The Best Homemade Salsa For Canning
Alexandra Caspero says, “This canning salsa recipe was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been in their family for over 40 years. It’s won numerous awards and with hundreds and hundreds of 5-star reviews, it really is ‘the best!’” Get the recipe for The Best Homemade Salsa For Canning.
Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
This spicy arrabbiata sauce was handed down to Alexandra Caspero from her grandma, and from her mother. Alex makes it a few times a month and it’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated, using just a handful of quality ingredients. Get the recipe for Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce.
Healthy Pasta Fagioli
This family recipe for healthy pasta fagioli comes from Alexandra Caspero. It is the ultimate comfort food! A simple recipe for hearty white beans & ditalini pasta in a creamy red sauce. Ready in under an hour! Get the recipe for Healthy Pasta Fagioli.
Seafood Pasta Bake
This creamy Seafood Pasta Bake is easy to make in 45 min with 15 min of hands-on cooking. With shrimp, mussels, white wine, lemon, garlic & Parmesan. It is a favorite in Emmeline Kemperyd’s family. Get the recipe for Seafood Pasta Bake.
Armenian Almond Rice Pilaf
Marcie Bidou says, “My Armenian grandmother’s Almond Rice Pilaf was always on the table for holidays and special occasions. The tradition has stayed alive with this recipe, and it makes a comforting, delicious side dish for whatever you may be serving!” Get the recipe for Armenian Almond Rice Pilaf.
Mom’s Grilled Sauerkraut Avocado Sandwich
Kristin King told us that her mom made this crispy, healthy twist on a classic Reuben sandwich for her when she wanted to whip up a quick and easy dinner. It’s made with crunchy, tangy sauerkraut and creamy avocado and hummus, stuffed between two slices of pumpernickel bread and grilled until crispy! Get the recipe for Mom’s Grilled Sauerkraut Avocado Sandwich.
Grandma Denny’s Homemade Ranch Dip
Kalyn Denny’s Grandma was known for her Ranch Dip. It was a Denny family favorite long before anyone heard of Ranch Dressing! This favorite Ranch Dip makes an appearance at every holiday gathering in her family. Get the recipe for Grandma Denny’s Homemade Ranch Dip.
Paska Easter Bread
Paska is a sweet and soft Eastern European Easter Bread that is studded with raisins and dried cranberries. For years, Heather Figura King’s great aunt Mary would gift a loaf every time she went to her house. Years later her dad would make it for every holiday. Now Heather makes it in her own kitchen and it reminds her of being a child at her aunt’s house. Get the recipe.
Healthy Apple Cake
Katie Trant loves to recreate healthier versions of old family favorites. This Healthy Apple Cake is a riff on her grandmother’s recipe and it just tastes like home. Made with unsweetened applesauce, ground flax, and wholegrain spelt flour, this applesauce snacking cake is treat that doubles as a snack or even breakfast! Get the recipe for Healthy Apple Cake.
Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins
Katie Trant’s mom’s carrot cake recipe was the absolute best, so Katie adapted it ever so slightly to make Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins that can be enjoyed more often. Made with spelt flour, oat bran, and crushed pineapple, these healthy carrot muffins are a freezer-friendly treat you’ll love to have on hand. Slap a little cream cheese frosting on them if you like. Get the recipe for Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins.
Pannukakku (Finnish Oven Pancake)
Pannukakku (a Finnish oven pancake) is an oven-baked pancake that falls somewhere between the texture of a soufflé and traditional American pancakes. Brought to us from Julie Grice, this is her family recipe that has been passed down for generations through her husband’s Finnish-Canadian family. Get the recipe for Pannukakku (Finnish Oven Pancake).
Vintage Recipe For Easy Bread
Shelley Fulton says, “My grandma’s vintage, no-yeast bread dates back nearly a century. But it’s so surprisingly delicious (and nutritious) that it’s still a perfect homemade bread to whip up today! Fantastic toasted, with a slather of cream cheese or a little butter – a scrumptious breakfast bread, and also great for snacking or sliced with dinner. (Plus, it even freezes well, too)!” Get the recipe for Vintage Recipe For Easy Bread.
Old-Fashioned Date Bar Recipe
Dating back more than half a century ago, this Date Bar recipe was a Christmastime treat on the Ohio farm where Shelley Fulton’s mother grew up. They’re a special, old-fashioned cookie for the holidays – but her family loves them so much that they make them all year ’round. They’re super-easy and freezable, too, so you can always keep a stash on hand! Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Date Bar Recipe.
23 Dinner Solutions: Quick and Delicious Soup and Stew Recipes
There is nothing like homemade soup or a hearty stew, especially when it is cold outside! (For you hot weather folks, we do have a few cold soups). We’ve got 23 recipes for you, from Instant Pot quickies to long simmered renditions. Comfort food in a bowl. Get 23 Dinner Solutions: Quick and Delicious Soup and Stew Recipes here.
