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.

Soup has long been a comforting staple in my home: simple, frugal, adaptable, and always nourishing. It's the kind of food that doesn’t demand a recipe—just what’s in the pantry and a bit of time. This winter, I’ve committed to making one pot of soup each week and sharing it gently on social media, as a way to slow down, stay grounded, and feed ourselves well without fuss.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why soup feels just right for winter
• My approach to seasonal, no-stress cooking
• How soup can be a quiet act of rebellion against perfectionism
• Inviting others to join in this weekly rhythm—no pressure, no perfection, just soup

If you’ve got a hand-me-down soup recipe or a story to share, I’d love to hear it. These are the kinds of traditions that warm more than just our bellies—they connect us to who we are and where we come from.

Let’s make this a season of nourishment, one simmering pot at a time.

Follow me on Instagram for the Monday soup recipes: https://www.instagram.com/handmedownrecipes/

Join us on Substack: https://handmedownrecipespodcast.substack.com/

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/

This week on Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie is joined by Erin from The Speckled Palate for a deliciously nostalgic conversation all about potato chip cookies—a unique family recipe that’s salty, sweet, and full of love.

Together they talk about the joy of baking during the holidays, the beauty of handed-down recipes, and how one special cookie made its way from grandma’s kitchen to a wedding in Portugal (and yes, it survived the flight!).

If you’ve ever baked with your heart, shared cookies as a love language, or wondered if a cookie could hold a memory—this cozy episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Erin’s grandmother’s famous potato chip cookie recipe
• Why cookie tables at weddings matter
• Tips for freezing, shipping, and gifting holiday cookies
• The Sweetest Season cookie exchange
• Salty-sweet combos and baking with connection

Grab a warm drink, settle in, and join us as we celebrate the simple magic of holiday baking.

For full notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-19/