Published: July 2026
Author: Degerlund Family Recipe origin: Alaska
A clever (and easy to carry) take on chocolate covered strawberries; great for a backpacking trip.
½ cup freeze dried strawberries
1 Tbls hot cocoa mix
2 Shortbread cookies
At home: Put dried strawberries and hot cocoa mix in a small resealable bag. Put shortbread cookies in a separate bag.
Out adventuring: Boil some water. Add a few Tablespoons of boiling water to chocolate and strawberries, let sit 1-2 minutes until strawberries are softened.
Crumble shortbread cookies over top of the chocolate covered strawberries, enjoy right out of the bag.
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Published: June 2026
Author: Dora Lundell Recipe origin: Sweden
Hailing from Sweden, this not-too-sweet ‘cheesecake’ is made with cottage cheese and is an excellent vehicle for strawberries and cream.
3 cup cottage cheese (large curd)
¾ cup flour
4 egg (well beaten)
1 cup cream
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
10 cardamom seeds (crushed)
Add salt to your own liking
Optional: strawberries and whipped cream for topping
Wash cheese very well and let drain dry.
Mix flour and cheese with a fork.
Add well-beaten eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, cardamom, and salt.
Bake slowly in 300–350°F oven for 1 hour.
Place pan in a pan of water while baking.
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Published: April 2026
Author: Papa Jimmy Recipe origin: USA
Note from Jessie, author of “Papa Jimmy’s Family Cookbook”: To this day, Papa Jimmy’s apple pie is my favorite food. I will eat half the pie in one sitting. Every Thanksgiving Papa would make extra apple pie to send home with me and I don’t know if that apple pie ever saw a Black Friday sunset.
Pie crust (top and bottom)*
Thinly sliced apples to fill
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 tablespoon tapioca flour
2 tablespoon flour
1 cup water
*Jimmy’s Pie Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 cup lard, cold
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup cold water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
For pie crust: Mix flour, sugar, and salt together.
Cut cold lard into flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry blender until it resembles course crumbs.
Beat egg and cold water together. Slowly add water and egg to flour mixture until dough just sticks together. Dough should be crumbly, but hold its shape when pressed. Wrap in plastic wrap and rest for 20 min before rolling out.
Fill a deep dish pie crust with thinly sliced apples. Pack apples down and fill until over the top of the dish. Add lemon juice on top of apples.
Evenly spread white sugar and cinnamon over apples.
Mix melted butter and brown sugar, pour over apples.
Mix flour, tapioca flour, and water. Carefully pour over pie.
Cover with top crust and dust with course sugar.
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I came across this recipe 20 years ago at a tree planting camp where I was the baker (then cook) for four summers. In addition to shredded carrots it’s chock-full of warm spices, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut, all offset by a not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting that’s as essential to this cake as the carrots are.
FOR THE CAKE:
2 cups (240 grams) all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
1¼ cups (225 grams) vegetable or canola oil
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups (290 grams) shredded carrots (from about 4 large carrots)
1 cup (105 grams) chopped toasted pecans (chop them fairly finely to make cutting the finished cake easier)
1 cup (90 grams) unsweetened toasted coconut flakes (optional, also chopped up a bit to make cutting easier)
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature (use two full bricks)
½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups (240 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (start with slightly less, and taste as you go)
Splash of vanilla
Big pinch of salt
Extra toasted pecan halves, for decorating
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the sides and bottoms of two 10-inch round cake pans (or three 8-inch pans) with butter and press a circle of parchment into the bottom of each. [Using just 2 pans still makes a fairly tall cake.]
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking until combined after each addition. Stir in flour mixture with a rubber spatula until there is just a bit of dry flour showing. Add shredded carrots, pecans, and coconut and stir until thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
Divide batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-50 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the cakes out onto the rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth/slightly whipped. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add confectioners’ sugar. When all the powdered sugar has been added, turn the speed up to medium and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and stir by hand a bit to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
When the cake layers have cooled, level the cakes with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of the cake with an offset spatula. Place the other cake layer on top of the frosting, flat side up. Spread a crumb coat of frosting on the top and sides of the cake with an offset spatula, then chill the cake in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Ice the cake with the remaining frosting. Allow the cake to chill for at least 30 minutes for the frosting to firm up a bit.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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