Top-down view of a whole French Silk Pie with dramatic whipped cream swooshes and bittersweet chocolate curls.

French Silk Pie

Published: February 2026
Author: Recipe sourced from Epicurious; Photo: @travis.rainey, Food Styling: @curlygirlcooks
Recipe origin: USA

From Heritage Cookbook creator Kristin L.’s ‘Make Ahead Dinner Party’ menu!

Yields 8 to 10 servings / 40 minutes (plus cooling and chilling)
Crust
24 Oreo or other creme-stuffed chocolate sandwich cookies
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling
3 large eggs
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, preferably 70% cacao, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream

Topping and Assembly
1 ¼ cups heavy cream
¼ cup (28 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt
Chocolate curls (for serving; optional)

Crust
Crumble 24 Oreo or other creme-stuffed chocolate sandwich cookies into a large resealable plastic bag and seal. Using a rolling pin, crush to very fine crumbs. (Alternatively, pulse cookies in food processor just until fine crumbs have formed; you should have about 2 cups.)
Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl and add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted. Mix until crumbs are evenly saturated in butter and transfer to a standard 9″-diameter glass pie dish. Press into an even layer across bottom and up sides with a flat-bottomed measuring cup. Chill crust at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.

Filling
Whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar in a medium heatproof bowl set over a large saucepan of barely simmering water (bowl should not touch water). Heat, vigorously whisking often, until sugar is almost completely dissolved and mixture is pale yellow and slightly aerated, about 5 minutes.
Add 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, preferably 70% cacao, finely chopped (about 1 cup), 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt and stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate is melted and mixture is thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl from heat and let cool (do not cover; about 30 minutes).
Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, add cooled chocolate mixture, and beat just until combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula, then mix on medium-high speed until slightly lightened in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Set butter mixture aside.
Beat 1 cup heavy cream in another medium bowl on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Scrape whipped cream into reserved butter mixture and gently stir to combine. Scrape filling into crust and smooth into an even layer. Chill (uncovered) in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.

Topping and Assembly
Just before serving pie, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat 1 ¼ cups heavy cream, ¼ cup (28 g) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt in a medium bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes (be careful not to over beat). Dollop whipped cream over pie filling and, using offset spatula or a spoon, spread out to crust in an even layer, creating dramatic swirls and swooshes. Top with chocolate curls if desired.

Do Ahead: Pie (without toppings) can be assembled 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap or buttered wax paper and keep chilled.
“This was a favorite of mine growing up! I’ve played around with the recipe over the years, and think this version is perfect!”

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Your New Favorite Caesar Salad

Published: February 2026
Author: Kristin L.
Recipe origin: USA

From Heritage Cookbook creator Kristin L.’s ‘Make Ahead Dinner Party’ menu: This was inspired by a restaurant in Oakland called Bardo Lounge & Supper Club that makes the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had. What really takes it over the top are the fried capers and the crunchy “croutons” you experience with every bite. You could really take this over the top and serve it with a deviled egg or a soft-boiled egg!

Dressing:
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ cups extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Capers:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons capers, patted dry with a paper towel

Breadcrumbs:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup panko
Pinch each kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad:
3 heads of romaine hearts, chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

For the dressing: In a food processor, combine the mayo, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire and lemon juice. Pulse to combine. With the motor running, add the oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper and add the Parmesan.

For the capers: In a small skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the capers and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Strain from oil and place on a plate lined with a paper towel.

For the breadcrumbs: In a medium skillet, heat the butter, olive oil and garlic over low heat until the garlic begins to sizzle. Add the panko and salt and pepper and toss to coat. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside to cool

For the salad: In a large bowl, toss the romaine with the dressing. Top with the crispy capers, breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
“There was inspired by a restaurant in Oakland called Bardo Lounge & Supper Club that makes the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had. What really takes it over the top are the fried capers and the crunchy “croutons” you experience with every bite. You could really take this over the top and serve it with a deviled egg or a soft-boiled egg!”

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Mimi’s Mocha Acorn Cookies Recipe (Christmas Classic)

Published: December 2025
Author: Grandma Rose (Rose’s Deli) & Mimi
Recipe origin: US

From Heritage Cookbook creator Janice M’s book: “Mimi’s sister, Aunt Shirley, made these cookies for many Christmases. Some of her nieces and nephews remember spending Christmas Eve day with her (she would kindly offer to take us off our parents’ hands for a good part of that day which can be the longest of the year for many children). We helped her put bows on gifts and do other last-minute tasks, one of which was dipping the acorns in chocolate and nuts!
We suggest baking a test cookie to make sure the butter/flour ratio is right and the cookies do not flatten out. If your butter is too soft when you begin, this can be a result. If your test cookie flattens, add 1/4 cup additional flour.”

1 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

6 oz. chocolate chips for dipping
1 cup chopped pecans

Cream butter and brown sugar. Add sifted flour, cocoa, coffee, vanilla and salt. Mix well.
Roll dough into 4 long rolls, 1 inch in diameter. Cut into 3/4-inch sections. Roll each into a ball. Press each ball onto greased cookie sheet to flatten base and pinch top to make a point.
Bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips. While cookies are still warm, dip wide end into chocolate, then into chopped pecans.
Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.

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Stuffing Just like Nanny Mac made

Published on: November 20th/2025
Author: Leanne J.
Recipe origin: Canada

In Leanne’s words:
Nanny Mac had many stories of food as well. She had to feed her family and her boarders on a widows pension. When she tried to supplement her income by selling her delicious baking, her subsidy was cut off. When I was growing up, we often ate meals at her apartment. I remember how cozy it was. Simple, yet delicious food. Always a dessert after.

3/4 cup of butter
2 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cup each chopped celery and fennel (or 2 cups celery) including celery leaves
4 tsp dried sage (don’t be shy)
1 tsp each salt, marjoram, savory and pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
14 cups cubed white bread
1 cup chopped fresh parsley

In large skillet melt butter over medium heat, cook onions, celery, celery leaves, fennel, sage, salt, savory, marjoram, pepper and thyme, stirring often for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Toss with cubed bread and parsley.

Can put in turkey and cook in the bird. We usually put in casserole dish and cook in 350° oven until hot, basting with turkey fat as the turkey cooks.

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Penovani Khachapuri

Published on: November 7th/2025
Author: Polina Chesnakova
Recipe origin: Georgia

GEORGIAN FLAKY CHEESE BREAD
“This sheet-pan version of penovani khachapuri — usually sold as a compact, hand-held street food — is made with shatteringly crisp puff pastry and is nonnegoatiable at our big family parties. As the platter hits the table, a bit of a flurry ensues over who gets the corners (or, as we call them, popuchki—”little butts”). Thankfully there’s always enough pieces to go around, corner or no corner, and eventually everyone gets their fill. It’s impossible to get tired of this khachapuri, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your family, too.”

Unsalted butter, for greasing
All-purpose flour, for dusting
One (17.3-ounce / 490 g) box frozen puff pastry, thawed but chilled
1 pound (450 g) low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
5 ounces (140 g) feta cheese, grated
5 ounces (140 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten with a pinch of kosher salt

SERVES 8 TO 10
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly-roll pan or an 11×17-inch (28×43 cm) glass baking dish, or something similar in size. These sizes will give you the best pastry-to-cheese ratio.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet slightly larger than the size of your pan and transfer it to the pan. Sprinkle the mozzarella in an even layer over the dough, leaving a thin border all around. Evenly crumble the feta cheese over the top. Dollop the ricotta in small spoonfuls all over in an even layer.
Roll out the second piece of dough to the size of your pan and lay it over the cheese. Pinch the edges of the pastry layers together to tightly seal like you really mean it—I go over my pinches a couple of times to make sure there aren’t any gaps. We don’t want any precious cheese oozing out! Then roll the edges up and over the pie and pinch and flatten all over again. Generously brush the pastry with the beaten egg, making sure you get the edges, too. Poke the top of the pastry, save for the edges, all over with a fork—you can’t have too many pokes.
Bake the pie until crisp and golden brown and the bottom is firm, 30 to 35 minutes.
Let cool a bit for the cheese to set before cutting into squares and serving.

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A pan of Danish apple bars

Danish Apple Bars

Published on: October 6th/2025
Author: Lindsay Anderson / Marco P.
Recipe origin: Denmark / Canada

These apple bars are perfect for a crowd!

CRUST:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup shortening
1 egg, separated
2/3 cup milk

FILLING:
5–6 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

ICING:
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 tsp water

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Crust:
Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles small peas. Beat egg yolk with milk and add; mix. Form into a ball and refrigerate until cold. Divide dough in half. Roll one half between two pieces of waxed paper to fit a cookie sheet. (Per note, you can roll on a floured surface instead.)

Filling:
Spread apples on prepared dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon (I add 2 Tbsp instant flour). Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples. Roll remaining dough between waxed paper to a size to cover base; place over apples. Seal edges. Beat egg white with a fork and brush over the top crust. Make slits in the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until nicely browned. Remove from oven.

Icing:
Mix ingredients together and drizzle over apple bars while still warm.

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A loaf of French bread

Governor’s French Bread

Published on: September 11th/2025
Author: Suzana Oliveira & June Reeder McCarthy
Recipe origin: France

This is a Frannie Packard recipe, Executive Chef at the Governor’s Residence before me. Billy Graham told Frannie that it was the best bread he had ever eaten. My family now considers it the ‘Canada French Bread’.

2 cups warm water, 100-115 degrees
1 package active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon coarse salt
3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour

1. Place the water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the beater bar. Allow the yeast to proof (dissolve) about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add salt and 3 cups flour. When the flour is incorporated, turn the mixer up to medium-high and beat for about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and slowly add about 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough wraps around the beater and cleans the sides of the bowl. You may not use all the flour. The worst thing you can do to bread dough is to add too much flour.
2. Scrape the dough off the beater bar and leave the rough mass of dough in the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Turn dough over itself in the bowl about 4 times. Cover, and allow to rise another 45 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the dough on a lightly floured board, cut dough in thirds or half depending on your loaf pan. Roll into French loaf form. Place the dough onto a greased French loaf pan. Allow to rise with a covered towel. When the dough has doubled, make 3 slashes in each loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25 minutes or until a thermometer reads an internal temperature of 200 degrees. Remove from the pan immediately to cool.

Whole Wheat Variation
2 1/2 cups water for the 2 cups water
2 cups all-purpose flour & 4 cups whole wheat flour for the 3 1/2 cups bread flour
Method remains the same.

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Susie’s Spoon Bread


Submitted by: Bonnie B.
Recipe origin: Southern United States

“When Nana was a little girl, she would often visit Aunt Sis and her husband, Millard Robert Ford (called “Unks”). They lived on Old Court Road in Pikesville adjoining the Suburban Golf Course. The house is no longer there. In the summer, Aunt Sis would make lemonade to sell to the golfers along with delicious homemade ice cream.
Nana lived with Aunt Sis for several years during her teenage years. While living there, Nana worked for the telephone company starting in 1926. Years later, after Unks died, Aunt Sis moved to Ocean City, where we visited
her many times. She died in 1975 at the age of 85. The following recipe was one of her favorites. It was a prize-winning recipe that was given to her many years before.”

1 heaping tbsp. butter
3 pts. (6 c.) boiling water
1 heaping tbsp. Crisco
1 pt. (2 c.) cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, well beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Put the butter into a baking dish (casserole dish) and place in oven for dish
to get hot.
3. Bring water and Crisco to a boil.
4. Stirring briskly, mix in cornmeal and salt until all lumps have disappeared.
5. Mix in 2 well-beaten eggs.
6. Pour into hot baking dish and bake about 30 minutes or until it appears as a
well-browned custard.
7. Serve hot.

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Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat)


Submitted by: The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia
Recipe origin: Greece

“The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia would like to share with you our Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat) recipe that appears on page 117 of our cookbook. The recipe was introduced by renowned Greek Chef Nicholas Tselementes in the mid-1930’s who converted a very old recipe of a pasta and meat pie wrapped in phylo into a hearty, delicious casserole of layers of pasta, meat, cheeses and bechamel sauce. This is a version of his recipe. Since it’s publication, pastitsio has graced countless family dinners, party buffets, Greek festival and restaurant menus. You will enjoy making this tasty yet simple to make dish.”

Meat Mixture:
2 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 stick (½ cup) butter
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Macaroni:
1 lb (No. 4) macaroni
1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
¾ lb grated Romano cheese
Crema Sauce:
5 cups milk
5 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk, mixed with 5 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter

Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a pan, sauté the onion in 1 stick of butter until softened.
Add the ground beef and brown well.
Stir in the tomato paste, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Prepare the Crema Sauce:
In a saucepan, bring 5 cups of milk to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Before it reaches a boil, slowly stir in the milk-cornstarch mixture.
As the sauce thickens, gradually add the beaten eggs while stirring continuously.
Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Macaroni:
Boil the macaroni according to package directions, making sure not to overcook. Drain.
Mix the drained macaroni with ½ pound of grated cheese, 1 stick of melted butter, and 1 cup of the prepared Crema Sauce.

Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a 10″ x 15″ baking dish.
Spread half of the macaroni mixture in the dish and sprinkle with cheese.
Evenly distribute the meat mixture over the first macaroni layer, then sprinkle with more cheese.
Add the remaining macaroni mixture and sprinkle with more cheese.
Pour the remaining Crema Sauce over the top.

Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve.
Enjoy! 🍽️

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Bobbie’s Sweet Potato Pie – A Classic Recipe for Pi Day


Submitted by: Regina T.
Recipe origin: Southern Cuisine

Pi Day (March 14th) is a celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), but let’s be honest – it’s also the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious slice of pie! What better way to mark the occasion than with a comforting homemade recipe that has been passed down through generations?

This Sweet Potato Pie is a true classic, rich with warm spices and a buttery, smooth texture that makes every bite a taste of home. Whether you’re celebrating Pi Day or just craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

1 pound sweet potatoes (baked)
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 (9-inch) deep dish pie shell

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the pie shell with a fork several times to prevent air pockets from forming. In a mixing bowl, mash the baked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the butter and mix well. Stir in the sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. Mix until fully combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell. Bake for 1 hour, or until the pie is golden brown and set in the center. Let cool before serving. Enjoy!

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