Enjoy Our Recipes!

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If Nana is not with her grandchildren, you will probably find her in the kitchen. Whether she is making a small meal just for Pa or cooking for the entire family, all of her food is “Made with Love and Purpose.”  It is even more enjoyable when one (or more) of the grandchildren join her on her mission of service. She passes down generational skills and God’s love with each cooking lesson.

Lime Coleslaw

Print Coleslaw is a nice side for many meals, but Nana’s favorite is with fish tacos.  There is just something about a lightly dressed slaw that takes it to the next level.  It’s even more delicious when you’ve grown your.....

Southern Hoe Cakes

Print Hoe cakes, or if you’re from the North, Johnny Cakes, are a great alternative to making bread.  They may have started with tradition to use local ingredients, but they’ve stayed in the modern cooking world, because they are simple.....

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Print Nana loves eating quiche, and of course, she loves making them.  She’s tried many combinations, but this is one of her favorites.  You’ll also see her putting bacon and breakfast sausage with cheddar cheese as well as mixing ham.....

Roasted Butternut Medley

Print Aunt Ky is good at finding creative recipes so that we can use produce that we’ve grown.  We are always grateful when we can grow winter squash, such as butternut, since it has a longer shelf life and can.....

Pina Colada Cake

Print Everyone knows that Aunt Ky loves all things Hawaii.  This includes coconuts and pineapples.  Not surprisingly, this is one of her favorite cakes passed on from Gigi’s mom.  Aunt Ky’s daughter had the idea of adding the food coloring.....

Wienerschnitzel Chili

Print Most people in our family know that if they go to Wienerschnitzel, they need to get a couple of hot dogs for Pa and at least a pint of chili.  Pa loves most any chili recipe, but this may.....

Ramen Salad

Print Did you ever wish you had a salad with your Asian meals?  Well, Nana did.  She loves a salad at every meal and has convinced most of us to like this unique recipe.  We still call it a salad,.....

Pork Fillet Mignon

Print Do you think of beef when you think of fillet mignon?  We did too, even though in France it commonly refers to the pork tenderloin.  Well Nana must be in on this secret, or she just knows that pork.....

Easy Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

Print Do you want ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ when you serve dessert?  Try this poke cake.  Like most poke cakes, it is simple to make, but your guests will not care.  I mean what is better than chocolate and caramel topped.....

Lemon Pound Cake

Print This is one of Uncle Bear’s favorite desserts, but it is tasty for many.  One thing that makes this cake especially favored is the homemade icing that is poured on while the cake is still warm.  Yes, it does.....

Creamy & Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Print Like all of her recipes, Nana has researched, tested, retested, and experimented until getting exactly what she wants.  Although Pa eats any and all mashed potatoes, Nana has been on a mission to create creamy & fluffy mashed potatoes.....

Western Burger

Print This recipe is made using a delicious, warm sandwich spread wrapped in homemade bread.  Yum, right?  It is often used in our surrounding communities and a common item when someone makes a community or church cookbook, because so many.....

Nana’s Caesar Dressing

Print Anyone that knows Nana knows that she likes to have a salad at every meal whether it is ramen salad, a salad with her basil dressing, a yummy buttermilk ranch dressing salad, her Broccoli Salad, Citrus Spinach Salad, Spinach.....

Italian Wedding Soup

Print This is a long favorite of Nana’s, probably because of the flavor profile and the ability to sneak in vegetables that most of us will still eat.  While researching and trying to find if her recipe counted as a.....

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Print If you can’t tell, we really enjoy cooking around here.  The main reason is because we like to eat, but we also don’t like wasting our resources.  In fact, we came across this recipe trying to find another way.....

Cheesy American Enchiladas

Print These enchiladas are so gringo that we don’t even know if we can call them Tex-Mex, but they are so yummy.  Aunt Alisa enjoyed this enchilada recipe growing up and has continued to make it for her girls.  As.....

Broccoli Salad

Print Who says a salad needs a leafy green?  This salad has been around our family for at least 20 years.  Nana likes making it almost as much as she likes eating it, and it may be the kids’ first.....

Southern Potato Salad

Print Nana usually makes the Hot Bacon Potato Salad that she’s already shared.  She especially enjoys this recipe as a pleasant break, because she can make it the day before and stick it in the fridge.  Then she doesn’t have.....

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print What is more basic than chocolate chip cookies?  Yes, we know, that’s why we like this recipe.  Everyone likes a basic chocolate chip cookie, and these are the perfect texture.  They are not too chewy or too cakelike.  It.....

Christmas Zipper Peas

Print Nana discovered this little treasure to add to the garden a couple of years ago when ordering seeds.  Zipper peas are a fat round cream pea that is easy to shell, thus the name.  Just pull the fibrous strand.....

Caramel Apple Glaze

Print This glaze was created as an experiment when Aunt Alisa made apple fritters one time.  After cooking the apples, Nana couldn’t bear to see the apple juice thrown away.  The glaze turned out delicious and beautiful, so we wrote.....

Apple Fritters

Print Nana enjoyed making corn and jalapeno fritters, and she would change the “mix-ins” when she wanted a sweet fritter.  Now that the apple harvest is in for the year, she and Aunt Alisa wanted to try a new sweet.....

Accidental Applesauce

Print We are aware that this recipe may not be helpful unless you have a couple of apple trees or access to a friendly neighbor.  We still wanted to share, because the result was delicious and exciting to discover.  Before our.....

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Print As much as Nana loves to cook, she enjoys her kitchen even more when she is surrounded by her grandkids.  Through trial and error, she has discovered that Michaela enjoys making cookies.  There is something about watching each batch.....

Chop Suey Cake

Print Who had this growing up?  Aunt Alisa has fond childhood memories when her Nanny made this for her.  Hope your family can enjoy it as well.   Ingredients Cake 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 – 20-ounce can crushed.....

Apple Pie

Print We harvested enough apples this year to can more apple slices and make applesauce for the first time.  Nana has made apple pies for years, but of course, it tastes so much better when you know how much blood,.....

Cheesy Corn Grits

Print Are grits only supposed to be eaten at breakfast? If not, when?  We love them at any meal.  Sometimes it is a simple side, and sometimes it is part of a scrumptious main dish.  Brown sugar can be added.....

Old-Fashioned Pot of Beans

Print Pinto beans are another dish that seems like everyone around here knows how to make.  We all know that Nana decides how to season them as she is doing it, but she said if she had to write something.....

Blackberry Cobbler

Print Anyone that has ever labored with love knows that something you’ve made yourself just seems to be better.  Well Nana often experiences this in her kitchen, but everyone that has helped weed, water, prune, or trellis the blackberries got.....

Cowboy Candy

Print We grow some pretty hot jalapenos, and we enjoy eating them fresh, but they are also used in many canned recipes to enjoy all year: Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Nana's Hot Sauce, and many more.  One of our favorite ways.....

Pancho’s Calabacitas

Print When the boys were younger, Nana and Pa often ate at Pancho’s Mexican Buffet.  Yes, the restaurant that lets you raise the flag to request more food.  Calabacitas was not the boys’ favorite dish, but Nana loved it.  Since.....

Bacon Green Bean Haystacks

Print As you know, Nana often looks for new ways to prepare produce after each harvest.  She likes to call these her “company green beans.”  You know, the ones that you only make when you know someone is coming for.....

Pork Chops with Brine

Print We hate to admit it, but sometimes we find a nice cut of meat that we’ve overlooked in the freezer.  If it is just freezer burned, and not ruined, Nana will brine it before cooking to ensure it is.....

Creamy Garlic Sauce

Print We’ve already shared Aunt Alisa's traditional cream gravy that she calls her "2-2-2 Gravy," but Nana wanted an alternative.  You can serve them on the exact same dishes, but Nana especially enjoys this creamy garlic sauce/gravy on her brined.....

Fried Mushrooms

Print As with many of Nana’s recipes, they change over the years as she refines her knowledge.  She’s worked on this recipe for a while now looking for an acceptable batter for different foods.  She uses it for battering mushrooms as.....

Creamed Potatoes

Print Yes.  We have something else that Nana serves with a cream sauce.  Nana continues to serve this recipe just like her mother did when they had fresh potatoes as a child.  It is oh-so tasty on freshly dug potatoes,.....

Cream Cheese Icing

Print Yes, we know that most Southern homes have their version of cream cheese icing, and there’s not much variability.  But we wanted to make sure everyone knew about this treasure.  There is something about a delicious cream cheese icing.....

Cinnamon Rolls

Step-by-Step Print A couple of months ago, Aunt Alisa shared her go-to sweet dinner rolls, and we mentioned that she also uses the recipe to make cinnamon rolls. Due to popular demand, she has meticulously, with her youngest daughter’s help,.....

Old-Fashioned Brownies

Print It is summertime.  That means time for homemade ice cream and a backyard barbeque, right?  Well, if you have ice cream, you need warm brownies.  There are plenty of boxes to purchase, but how much better is it to.....

Creamed Corn

Print In the south, we like all things creamed.  Not only do we add cream to our vegetables (Creamed Yellow Squash, Creamed Carrots and Peas, and Creamed Potatoes), like this recipe, but peaches and cream is not just a saying. .....

8-Layer Dip

Print We have a joke that Nana can turn any leftovers into Ribeye steaks.  Of course, she cannot, but she can disguise them pretty good.  When serving this dip, it is often because she’s already served fresh pinto beans and.....

Sauerkraut

Print If you don’t try something new, you’ll never discover something new.  Last year we had our first successful cabbage crop, so Aunt Alisa made sauerkraut.  It is so much better than the store-bought, so we are looking forward to.....

Corn Salad

Print This is a recipe that Nana came back with after visiting Israel.  She often serves it when we celebrate Passover, and it is so refreshing to eat on a hot Texas summer day.  Most of her other recipes with.....

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

Print When the hot Texas summers arrive, a cold sandwich begins to sound good during the middle of the day.  Nana uses this recipe as a break from a bologna or turkey sandwich.  If she’s cooking for someone, she’ll often.....

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Print If you get something new, you have to break it in, right?  Well, Aunt Alisa used her new Dutch oven to make this delicious and beautiful bread. We enjoyed it when she served it and hope that she gets.....

Salmon Patties

Print The men in our family lead each family unit by word and example.  The women are especially spoiled on Mother’s Day, because they grill salmon and steaks.  True to family tradition as well, there is always enough leftovers for.....

Tartar Sauce

Print Tartar sauce is such an easy thing to buy, but when Nana is serving, it is always fresh.  Once you try it, you’ll think you have to have homemade tartar sauce every time, especially when serving fried fish.  .....

Sweet Dinner Rolls

Print It’s the joke that southerners have to add sugar to everything.  Well, we are from Texas and tend to agree.  This bread recipe is one of Aunt Alisa’s first to master.  It is often served, and when she does,.....

Tuscan Chicken

Print It is springtime, and we’re getting fresh spinach out of the garden, which means Nana is looking for new ways to enjoy spinach.  She actually borrowed this recipe from one of her sons.  After tasting it, she made her.....

Buttermilk Biscuits

Print Aunt Alisa has a yeast biscuit recipe that we’ve shared, but she’s really wanted a good buttermilk biscuit recipe since that is a required staple in the south.  She’s tried dozens of recipes but hasn’t found one that she.....

Citrus Spinach Salad

Print There is usually an abundance of spinach in our garden this time of year, so Nana uses it as often as possible.  The first time she had this salad, she was a guest in Gigi’s house.  Many years later.....

Butterhorn Rolls

Print Aunt Alisa is our bread expert and having one good recipe is not enough for her.  She likes learning new ways to serve us delicious bakery items, and no one complains about her “experiments.”  This recipe has become a.....

Pozole

Print When Nana serves carne guisada to everyone, we know that we’ll soon have another great treat: Pozole.  The fun thing for Nana about soups and stews is that you can really add as much or as little of each.....

Carne Guisada

Print In the winter, do you imagine what warm dish you are going inside to enjoy - a delicious dish that warms you up from the inside out?  Try this recipe.  It is a traditional recipe and welcomed by many when.....

Banana Pudding – Less Sugar

Print Nana loves indulging those she loves with food, so when Pa was diagnosed with diabetes, she began to get more creative with her sweet indulgences.  When Pa has a craving for something sweet, this is a frequently used recipe. .....

Parmesan Tilapia

Print This recipe came back from Louisiana with Aunt Kati and her family when they moved back home.  She cooked it for Nana’s birthday dinner soon after returning, and Nana fell in love.   Ingredients 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.....

Special K Treats

Print Nana’s mom loved making this snack for her when she was younger.  She would always say, "Eat this.  It's good for you, because it's made with Special K."  Nana would just smile and enjoy the snack.   Ingredients 1.....

Meringue

Print There aren’t many recipes that Nana follows exactly, but this is one of them.  She found it in an old Better Crocker cookbook years ago and continued to use it, because it doesn’t weep or pull away from the.....

Coconut Cream Pie

Print This is one of Uncle Lee’s favorites, so Nana often makes it for his birthday meal.  If needed, you can follow Nana's meringue recipe to top this pie.  If you don’t like coconut, and you just want a cream.....

Oven Pot Roast

Print This oven roast was a typical Sunday lunch after church. My mom would get up early Sunday morning to prepare the roast, then it would cook in the oven while we were at church.  We did not have time.....

2-2-2 Gravy

Print This recipe came to us through Aunt Alisa.  If you ever eat her homemade biscuits and gravy, you’ll probably ask for her gravy recipe (and probably her yeast biscuit recipe).  She’ll reply by saying, “2-2-2.” The last ingredient is 2.....

Chicken Fried Steak

Print Nana discovered this recipe by accident.  One time when frying, she ran out of all-purpose flour, so she used self-rising flour.  The batter turned out crispy and didn’t seem to fall off.  Now, if she doesn’t have self-rising flour.....

Sweet and Savory Creamy Chicken

Print Nana likes this dish served over rice or pasta; her favorite is baked potatoes, though.  She drizzles this creamy deliciousness over her baked potato along with her other favorite toppings.   Ingredients 2/3 cup sliced almonds (optional) 4 tablespoons.....

Deviled Eggs

This is a favored recipe when we have extra eggs from our hens.  Nana will often serve deviled eggs when she is tired of having green salad but wants something light on the side. Print Ingredients 18 eggs 2/3 cup.....

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Print This recipe has become a staple dessert now for the third generation; Gigi's mother started the tradition.  It is simple and straight forward and often a quick favorite when served plain or with homemade whip cream and strawberries.  It.....

Egg Custard Pie

Print When we first posted this, we learned that this pie was a nostalgic favorite for many of our Facebook followers.  Apparently many southern moms incorporated egg custard pie into their repertoire of family recipes along with Nana and her.....

Hot Pepper Jam

Print When using this recipe, Nana uses the less sugar needed SURE-JELL (pink box).  She has taken the recipe from the box, but she has made the instructions easier to follow.  Our family loves the jalapeno jam poured over the.....

Roasted Butternut

Print We enjoy this winter squash as an addition to recipes such as alfredo, with other sauteed vegetables, or as a main ingredient in some dishes such as soup.  Right now, we are sharing a simple way to roast a.....

French Bread Topping

Print This delicious recipe came to us from a family member that caters large wedding receptions.  Nana has converted it into smaller portions to work for a family meal.  It is delicious on Aunt Alisa’s homemade French bread recipe served.....

Microwaved Spaghetti Squash

Print The kids love this squash, but it may be because it is disguised somewhat.  When served, it resembles noodles.   Cutting in Half The first step may be the hardest, because this squash can develop a hard exterior.  This.....

Baked Spaghetti Squash

Print Due to the ease of growing and long shelf-life of spaghetti squash, we enjoy this squash.  It can be used as a replacement for spaghetti noodles, or it is great in casseroles.   Ingredients 1 medium spaghetti squash 1.....

French Bread

Print Aunt Alisa is our go-to person for bread making.  She has a sweet dinner roll recipe and a butterhorn recipe that we often use with meals, but she thought we needed a French bread, too.  No one is complaining.....

Apple Pie Filling

Print We were so excited to gather our first apple harvest of significance this year.  After making dump cake, jelly, dried apple chips, apple pie, and apple butter, Nana and Aunt Alisa had fun preserving a great number of our.....

Green Chili Relleno Casserole

Print One of Nana’s favorite smells is the aroma of green chilis being roasted at the grocery stores.  She looks forward to it all year long, but this year she got to experience that smell on the farm. Thanks to.....

Not So Hot Green Sauce

Print Our garden produced many jalapenos this year, so we spent hours searching for new jalapeno recipes until Aunt Alisa found this one.  Even though our jalapenos were super-hot this year, the end result was “not so hot.” This is.....

Basil Dressing

Print This is a go-to dressing for Nana, other than ranch, of course.  She uses it to dress a salad, when making mango chutney to go on grilled salmon, with her zucchini caprese salad, and with her citrus spinach salad.....

Chipotle Aioli

Print When making corn fritters, Nana came across this aioli to compliment them.  It was delicious with the corn and jalapeno fritters, and I’m sure we’ll use it with many other dishes.   Ingredients ½ cup mayonnaise 1-2 tablespoons lemon.....

Corn and Jalapeno Fritters

Print For many locals, the corn fritters served at the drive-in theater were a favorite snack, but unfortunately it was closed in the last few years due to a fire.  Like many of us, Nana misses this special treat, so.....

Glazed Carrots

Our garden surprised us this year with an abundance of carrots.  So, of course, Nana has been busy finding creative ways for us to enjoy them. Print This recipe is an adaptation that came to her from one of her.....

Zucchini Bread

Print This prolific squash is often made into this delectable treat for adults and kids alike and is usually the first and last recipe that Nana uses with our zucchini each year.  Who else makes at least two loaves each.....

Prickly Pear Jelly

Print Eli has begged to make prickly pear jelly with his mom.  Due to requests, we decided to post it as our weekly recipe, even though Nana has never made it.  She has graciously let one of her daughters-in-love, Aunt Ky,.....

Chicken & Squash Mexican Casserole

Print There are times in the year when we have so much squash and zucchini that Nana looks for new recipes, because she is afraid we’ll stop eating her food.  (Never gonna’ happen.) This is a recipe that she found.....

Lima Beans

When Nana was a little girl, she was a picky eater, so her mom tricked her into eating lima beans, or butter beans.  Grandma Jane would stab each bean with a toothpick instead of using a fork.  As a result,.....

Pickled Okra

Since Pa loves okra, we tend to plant more each year.  As a result, this year we’ve had enough okra to eat, can, donate, sell, plus more.  Print Since Nana has had extra practice pickling okra this year, she wanted.....

Not the Same Ol’ Dump Cake

Print Aunt Jill is our resident arborist, so when she harvested this year's apple crop, Nana asked her for an apple dessert.  The family gobbled it up in one meal, so Nana decided to share this recipe for everyone to.....

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Frosting

Print When looking through recipes the other day, Nana decided to try this one, because the word "old-fashioned" caught her eye. It's not your typical buttercream frosting, but it is sure to become a new favorite for your family. When tasting.....

Smothered Steak

For this recipe, we wanted to pass on a funny story.  Everyone knows that chicken fried steak is one of Uncle Lee’s favorite foods, and one time Nana was making this for the family.  Uncle Lee walked by and said,.....

Steamed Okra

Print Do you hate slimy boiled okra?  You put it your mouth, and you feel like it will slide right down your throat.  Well, Nana is revealing her tried and true secret method to preparing steamed okra with no slime. .....

Bran Muffins

Bran . . . sounds like an elderly person’s food, right?  No, the grandkids love them, and they are great for breakfast.  You can even serve them for dessert or as the bread at a meal. Print Ingredients 1 cup.....

Creamed Yellow Squash

Print If you are from the south, and have ever had a backyard garden, there is a high likelihood that you’ve had creamed yellow squash.  This is such a quintessential southern comfort food.  Nana had this often as a child.....

Pesto Butter

Print One day we were all buzzing around the kitchen making fresh pesto and shucking corn from the garden, and someone said, "Hey, why not put pesto in the butter for the corn?"  Nana experimented a bit and came up.....

Country Peppers

Print The first time Nana had this recipe, it was a gift from a friend.  She quickly got the recipe and has used it for many years.  She uses it to stuff yellow squash as well as bell peppers.  She.....

Yeast Biscuits

Print Nana found this delightful recipe in a community cookbook and uses it for breakfast and dinner meals since it is not a traditional biscuit.  Not that Nana can’t make wonderful biscuits, but if she is doing this recipe, or.....

Corn and Okra Maque Choux

This recipe was discovered in a magazine several years ago when our garden produced an abundance of okra.  The family liked it so well that it has become a traditional side dish.  The word Maque Choux comes from Cajun cuisine meaning.....

Nana’s Marinara

We grow our herbs in half barrels, and they have definitely been prolific this year.  In order to use some of them, Nana experimented with a new way to make fresh marinara.  It is not like the recipe she usually.....

Spinach Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

God blessed us with an abundance of spaghetti squash last summer, and we were able to preserve the extra in our cellar.  We grew tired of eating it the same way, so Aunt Alisa found a new way to cook.....

Chalupas for a Crowd

Print This recipe has been in our small community for years, but we aren’t sure where it started.  Each local cook has their own variation when serving their family.  Nana wanted to share some of her variations.  She doesn’t always add.....

Creamed Carrots and Peas

Print Besides spinach, we tried English peas in our garden this spring. It was fun to taste test in the garden to determine if they were ready to pick. Come to find out, there is a point when they are.....

Yummy Espinaca

Print We told you to expect more spinach recipes while we enjoy our spring garden.  Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant used to be one of our favorite places to eat.  So of course, Nana found a copycat recipe, so we wouldn’t go.....

Spinach and Bacon Salad

Print We experimented this year by planting spinach in our spring garden, and God blessed us with a bountiful crop.  Nana has used this recipe for years, and we’ve been fortunate enough to eat it more frequently lately so that.....

Barbecue Ribs

Print Ribs . . . need we say more?  If you've heard of Texas, you've heard of ribs.  This is always a welcome treat, especially when we’ve had a long day working outside. Pair this with Nana’s hot bacon potato.....

Hot Bacon Potato Salad

Print A potato salad with no eggs or mustard . . . but it has bacon!  This recipe came to us through a marriage.  We inherited a beautiful new family member that caters weddings, and she shared one of her.....

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Yes, we know; meatloaf needs ketchup, not pickles. When Nana was a newlywed, Pa’s mom gave her a new meatloaf recipe, and she’s been making it since. It sure helps that Pa loves this recipe. Print Ingredients 1 pound hamburger.....

Perfect Cornbread

Print The southern debate. Do you put sugar in your cornbread? We sure do, because Nana uses sugar in about any delectable dish she serves.  You don’t have to use an iron skillet, but then you wouldn’t have the crunchy.....

Potato Pancakes

Print Every year our family celebrates Passover just before Easter. It is a time of understanding the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt as well as the symbolism which points to Jesus, our Messiah. During the course of.....

White Chicken Chili

Print No, this is not a joke. Yes, we are still from Texas, but Nana wanted to share her white chili with chicken, not beef. Don’t be shy about trying something new.  Nana won’t disappoint. It is even better when served.....

Chicken and Noodles

Print Talk about a classic. Who doesn't have a fond childhood memory of chicken and noodles? Whether it was served on a cold day to help you warm up from the inside out or it was served to you by.....

Nana’s Alfredo

Print This recipe is rich, creamy, and extra delicious, especially when Nana uses fresh Parmesan cheese.  Alfredo is traditionally served over noodles, but Nana also serves it on baked potatoes.  If she wants to make her food go farther, she'll.....

Zucchini Caprese Salad with Dressing

Print Nana has long served garden fresh tomatoes with mozzarella and her homemade dressing.   Thanks to The Pioneer Woman – Ree Drummond, she has learned to mix mayonnaise and pesto together in order to add extra deliciousness.  If you love.....

Sweet Refrigerator Pickles

Print These pickles are great served with pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, or whatever you can imagine. Let us know how you enjoy eating them.   Ingredients 4 thinly sliced cucumbers 1 large sliced red bell pepper 2 sliced jalapeños.....

Stuffed Squash

This has been around for a while and is one of Nana’s many ways to deliciously use squash when it is plentiful in the garden. Print Ingredients 4 yellow squash Pesto ¼ cup chopped basil ¼ cup olive oil ½.....

Squash and Cornbread Casserole

Print Nana is always looking for new ways to present leftovers so that no one knows they’ve eaten them before. This recipe is a great way to use leftover cornbread, especially when your garden is producing loads of yellow squash.  Use your favorite.....

Spinach Cream Sauce

Print Grits are a common dish in the south even if it is a savory dish served after breakfast. If you have a delicious recipe like Nana's cheesy corn grits, you may want to top it with a dreamy sauce.....

Spinach and Eggs

Print Yes, she can even make spinach taste good.  Nana frequently uses this recipe as a quick and delicious side. Enjoy!   Ingredients 4 slices of bacon cut into bite size pieces ½ cup onion, chopped 1 teaspoon chopped garlic.....

Shrimp and Crab Salad with Avocado

This week's recipe seems very fancy, but it is not that difficult to make if your shrimp and crab are already cooked. It is a delicious side to many dishes including fettuccini alfredo. Have a great weekend. Print Ingredients 1.....

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Print This recipe was perfected trying to use excess pumpkins that we grew the previous fall. After we filled jar after jar with canned pumpkins, Nana wanted to try a recipe.  Of course, you can use store-bought canned pumpkins if.....

Dill Pickles

Print This is one of Nana's many pickling recipes. It can be used with cucumbers like the recipe is written, or she uses it to make pickled okra. If she does okra, she uses pint jars and processes it for.....

Pie Crust

Print This is a classic that Nana has developed over the years and made her own. She uses this recipe to make her homemade quiches and chicken pot pie.  Need dessert ideas as well?  Nana has shared her egg custard.....

Pecan Pie

Print This dessert is commonly served during fall holidays in the south as we love our pecans and the huge trees they grow on.  As with many of Nana's recipes, this one did not come to her in this condition. .....

Parmesan Pork Chops

Print YUM!! Does it seem overwhelming to turn fresh pork chops into a mouthwatering main dish? This is a simple and delicious recipe that your whole family will love thanks to Nana.   Ingredients *5 pork chops ½ stick butter.....

Okra Gumbo

Nana calls this recipe gumbo, but it is usually served as a side unlike the traditional gumbo. She made it recently with zucchini instead of okra, and it was still delicious. Have fun with this, and continue to share with.....

Nana’s Pesto

Print Nana uses our fresh basil to make homemade pesto. The pesto is added to many dishes for a deeper flavor including her spaghetti squash (microwaved or baked), buttered noodles, and zucchini spirals. It is especially good when she spreads.....

Not So Traditional Chili

Print Chili is best served on cold, or chily, days.  Am I right?  What a better way to warm up and feel comfortable than with a bowl of chili with GREEN CHILIS?  Make it even more filling and delicious with.....

Nana’s Hot Sauce

Nana shares her hot sauce recipe.  She loves making it when our garden is producing tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro. Yum! Print Ingredients 4 pounds tomatoes 1 large onion 4 cloves garlic 6 jalapenos 1 bunch, or to taste, cilantro 1.....

Mexican Cornbread

Print This dish is such a treat, especially if you are trying to warm up from working outside.  This is a fall comfort food that makes a delicious meal all by itself, or you can serve it with a pot.....

Mexican Casserole

Print This is a favorite for kids and adults. It can be served as a side, or make it the main dish with rice and beans on the side.   Ingredients 1 ½ pounds hamburger meat ½ cup chopped onion.....

Mexican Stuffed Squash

Print Does anyone else produce so much zucchini in their garden that you need to get creative? Nana had fun creating this recipe to use our excess zucchini.   Ingredients 2 medium to large zucchini 2 tablespoons olive oil salt.....

Hoppin’ John

Print As a family we celebrate many holidays such as Passover, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the like, but we don't have too many New Year traditions.  As you know, Nana is always looking for an excuse to try a new recipe,.....

Green Beans with Mushrooms

Want your kids to eat their vegetables? Ask Nana for a recipe. It also helps that she lets them eat using a toothpick as a fork. Print Ingredients 2 pounds fresh green beans 1 can beef broth 1 teaspoon garlic.....

Glazed and Grilled Chicken Breasts

Print This chicken recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious right off the grill. It is also great served with alfredo sauce and pasta. For best flavor, allow time to marinade overnight.   Ingredients 6 chicken breast halves ½ cup packed brown sugar.....

Fried Okra

Print Who doesn't love fried food?  Well, our family is thankful that Nana enjoys making fried okra. This is a great side for a meal, or a delicious bite-sized snack.  Follow Nana's instructions so that the okra is ready to.....

First Fruits

Print Nana cooks for us every Wednesday night, and it is even more exciting when we get our first vegetables from the garden each year. She wanted to share a quick method you can use when you can’t wait to.....

Cucumber Salad

We eat this a lot in the summer, and no one complains. It is a simple and delicious way to use our vine-ripened cucumbers. Print Ingredients Salad 2 medium cucumbers one small onion Dressing ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour.....

Cream Tomato and Basil Soup

Print Nana often pairs her soups with sandwiches.  For this soup, she likes a grilled cheese sandwich made with pumpernickel and provolone cheese.  It is also delicious with a grilled cheese made using jalapeno pimento cheese and Aunt Alisa's Jalapeno.....

Cucumber Relish

Print Cucumber relish is a creative way to use fresh garden produce, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.  This recipe is yummy served with beans and rice and hot dogs as well as.....

Corn Chowder

Print What is more comforting than a thick, warm chowder when you've been working outside?  Nana knows she can cook this to get us to quit working, especially when she serves it with Aunt Alisa's Perfect Cornbread.   Ingredients 4.....

Chicken Pot Pie

Print The kids love this despite the vegetables. Maybe it is the creamy filling and amazingly flakey crust.  Feel free to use your own pie crust recipe, or Nana has posted her favorite one for you to use.   Ingredients.....

Clam Chowder

Print Upon request, Nana has put the clam chowder recipe on paper. Our prayer is that you enjoy the recipe with your families as we have with our family. This is a New England recipe that Nana has personalized and.....

Chicken and Dressing

Print Each family has their own take on this Thanksgiving and Christmas classic, and Nana wanted to share her most current recipe in case you are up to amending your family's traditions.  If not, we appreciate you checking ours out. .....

Cheesy Potatoes

This recipe is even better after working outside in the cold all day. It is one of Rebekah's favorites. Print Ingredients 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes 1-3 teaspoons of salt 2 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons flour.....

Cabbage and Sausage

Nana frequently uses this recipe as a quick and delicious side. Enjoy! Print Ingredients 4 tablespoons butter 1 pound smoked link sausage 1 medium to large head of cabbage 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper   Instructions.....

Black-Eyed Peas

Print Nana enjoys cooking blackeyes from our garden, and she wanted to share her most used recipe. These peas are eaten throughout the year, and we get to enjoy the fruits of our summer labor in the hot Texas sun. .....

Breaded and Baked Zucchini

Thank you, Kimberly Bingham Clare, for sending us a delicious recipe! Nana tried it for Wednesday night supper with medallions instead of spears. She just used pesto and Parmesan. It was delicious for all ages. Print Ingredients panko breadcrumbs salt.....