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.

We talk about handwritten cookbooks, the magic of simple ingredients (yes, even Imperial margarine!), and why recipes passed down through generations hold a special kind of love.

It’s a sweet reminder that simple food and family stories go hand in hand.

For links & full show notes: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-20/

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/