In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic sits down with Christina from Christina’s Cucina to explore the beauty of peasant food through one of Italy’s most comforting classics — pasta e fagioli. Together, they talk about the magic of simple ingredients, how quality matters more than complexity, and why dishes like this endure for generations.

From choosing the right beans and pasta to embracing authentic, budget-friendly cooking, this conversation celebrates everyday comfort and the timeless wisdom of home cooks who make the most of what they have.

Perfect for anyone who loves Italian food, simple living, and recipes that feed both body and soul.

Get full show notes & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-15/

In this heartfelt episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, I’m joined by Silvia Martinez of Mama Latina Tips to explore the warmth, flavor, and family history behind her beloved green pozole with chicken — a traditional Mexican soup made with tomatillos, hominy, and love.

We talk about the origins of pozole verde in Silvia’s home state of Guanajuato, how her family lightened the classic red pozole by swapping in chicken and a vibrant green salsa, and why this dish has become her “DNA recipe.” Silvia also shares practical tips for making pozole ahead, freezing leftovers, and customizing toppings to suit your taste.

Whether you're looking for a frugal weeknight meal, a cozy fall soup, or a meaningful way to connect with family traditions, this episode invites you into the kitchen — and into Silvia’s story.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What makes green pozole different from red pozole
• The secret to great flavor: tomatillos, oregano, and homemade broth
• How Silvia's family simplified pozole for busy weeknights
• Tips for toppings, freezing, and making it your own
• Why pozole is more than a meal — it’s a memory

Find more info & get links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-14/

In this episode, Kathie is joined by Tiffany from Well Fed Baker to share the story of a cherished family recipe: her great-grandfather’s famous butter rolls. First baked in a small-town Idaho bakery in the 1930s, these buttery, yeasted rolls have been passed down through generations and are still a beloved treat at family gatherings today.

We talk about:

• The origin and legacy of the butter roll recipe
• How Tiffany learned to bake them alongside her grandmother
• Tips for working with rich yeasted dough
• Fun new ideas (hello, rum-soaked dried fruit and chocolate frosting!)

Whether you’re a nostalgic baker, a fan of vintage recipes, or someone who loves hearing how food connects us to family and place, this episode will warm your heart and maybe inspire you to bake a batch of your own.

Get the recipe & other links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-13/

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/

In this heartwarming conversation, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Marcella Cantatore of Marcellina in Cucina to share the story behind her family’s treasured saffron risotto recipe. Passed down from her grandmother in Milan to her father in tropical North Queensland, this dish carries decades of tradition, adaptation, and love.

Marcella shares how she learned to cook not from measuring cups, but by standing next to her dad—absorbing tips like “don’t let the onions go past ginger,” saving parmesan rinds for extra flavor, and adding a good knob of butter at the end. You’ll hear the history of adapting recipes when ingredients weren’t available, the secret to achieving risotto’s perfect wave-like texture, and creative ways to transform leftovers into a frittata.

Whether you’re here for authentic Italian cooking inspiration, slow food stories, or simply the reminder that food can connect us deeply to our roots, this episode will leave you feeling both inspired and hungry.

Get full show notes, recipe links & more: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-11/

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

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie is joined by Tina from Stretch and Folds to talk all things apple strudel—its rich tradition, regional twists, and why this humble dessert is the perfect slow-living kitchen project.

From Tina’s Slovenian kitchen to Kathie’s Montana homestead, you’ll hear stories of family, culture, and recipes passed down through generations. They discuss:

• The cultural history of traditional Slovenian apple strudel
• How strudel varies by region and season (yes, even zucchini strudel!)
• Tips for stretching strudel dough the old-fashioned way (with a floured bedsheet!)
• Using what you have—apples, cherries, cottage cheese, and more
• Why strudel making teaches patience and invites a slower pace in the kitchen

"It’s the most humble ingredients made in the most magical way." – Kathie

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or a new kitchen adventure, this episode is filled with heart, heritage, and helpful how-tos.

Find more info & links: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-10/

Subscribe and leave a review if you love exploring the stories behind traditional recipes and seasonal living.

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Padma from My Good Food World to share a beloved, three-generation Indian recipe made with bottle gourd (lauki).

This simple, nourishing dish is rich in family history and tradition. Padma walks us through how her grandmother passed the recipe to her mother, who passed it to her along with very specific tips like never cooking the ginger!

Whether you have access to bottle gourd or need to swap in zucchini, Padma offers practical advice for adapting the recipe while keeping its heart intact.

We talk about:

• Cooking with bottle gourd and its substitutes
• Using spices like mustard seeds and asafoetida for flavor
• The beauty of simple, frugal, everyday food
• How leftovers become comforting soup
• Why hand-me-down recipes connect us to our roots

This is a gentle, encouraging conversation about seasonal cooking, honoring tradition, and savoring simple meals that nourish body and spirit.

Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-9/

In this cozy episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Sharon Farnell of “Jawns I Cooked” to share a treasured family sloppy joe recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Rooted in simplicity and rich with flavor, this recipe dates back to the 1930s and remains a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.

Sharon and Kathie chat about the importance of keeping things classic—like sticking to yellow mustard—and offer practical tips for customizing the dish with ingredients you have on hand, including budget-friendly swaps and plant-based options. They also share clever ways to use leftovers (sloppy joe pizza, anyone?) and reflect on the comfort that comes from cooking the way our grandmothers did.

Whether you’re looking for a new staple meal or simply enjoy the stories behind beloved recipes, this episode is full of warmth, good humor, and encouragement to keep food simple and satisfying.

Get links and more resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-8/

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