Show Notes
Kathie sits down with Anne Aslanides of The Default Cook to share the story of a beloved family recipe: her husband’s grandmother’s old-fashioned ginger snaps. This Depression-era cookie is made without eggs or butter, using just pantry staples like flour, spices, molasses, and lard—yet it bakes up perfectly crisp, snappy, and full of flavor. Together, they explore the quirks of handwritten recipe cards, tips for adapting old recipes in a modern kitchen, and the joy of baking as a family tradition. Along the way, they reflect on why these cookies still feel timeless and how food connects us across generations. If you love vintage recipes, seasonal baking, and cozy conversations about simple living, this episode is a sweet and spicy treat. Get links and notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-12/
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/