Show Notes
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/
More from 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.
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.
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.
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/