41 Recipes We Learned from Our Mother-in-Law (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

41 Recipes We Learned from Our Mother-in-Law (1)Emily Racette ParulskiUpdated: Jan. 31, 2022

    She knew her way around the kitchen and we couldn’t be happier she shared her recipes with us.

    1/41

    Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew

    My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me many years ago. Ever since then, it’s been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

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    2/41

    Old-World Puff Pancake

    My mom told me her mother-in-law showed her how to make this dish, which became popular during the Depression, on their "get acquainted" visit in 1927. At that time, cooks measured ingredients in pinches, dashes and dibs. But through the years, accurate amounts were noted. My wife and I continue to enjoy this dish today, particularly for brunch. —Auton Miller, Piney Flats, Tennessee

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    3/41

    Southwestern Sauteed Corn

    My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon

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    4/41

    Blueberry-Lemon Upside-Down Cake

    I was young when I married, so I watched my mother-in-law to learn baking. This cake with fresh blueberries is one of her beauties. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan

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    5/41

    Taste of Home

    Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

    When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

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    6/41

    Chocolate Angel Cake

    When I was married in 1944, I could barely boil water. My dear mother-in-law taught me her specialty—making the lightest angel food cakes ever. This chocolate version is an easy, impressive treat. —Joyce Shiffler, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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    7/41

    Taste of Home

    Big Batch Cheeseburger Soup

    When my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for cheeseburger soup, I changed it a little to make it my own. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a cold winter evening. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

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    8/41

    Taste of Home

    Pumpkin Charlotte

    My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois

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    9/41

    Tomato Juice Cocktail

    This recipe came from my mother-in-law and many say it’s the best tomato juice they’ve ever tasted. It has a little eye-opening kick to it that’s wonderful! —Beverly Cottrell, Ipswich, Maine

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    10/41

    Shortcake with Fresh Rhubarb Sauce

    Every spring when her rhubarb was ready, my mother-in-law chopped it up for this moist cake. If your rhubarb is too tart for the sauce, just add in some strawberries. —Rena McCalment, Sharpsville, Indiana

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    11/41

    Sweet and Golden Easter Bread

    It is an Italian tradition to make this sweet, golden braid at Easter. This family heirloom recipe came from my mother-in-law and was passed down to her from her mother. If you're not a fan of raisins, the bread is just as wonderful without them. —Kathi West, Canton, Michigan

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    12/41

    TMB studio

    Mama's Million-Dollar Fudge

    No other fudge I've tasted comes close to the smooth, chocolate taste of this million-dollar fudge recipe, which my mother-in-law introduced me to one Christmas (I've never been able to make it as good as she does, though). Since it makes such a large batch, I always save some for last-minute gifts. —Gloria Heidner, Elk River, Minnesota

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    13/41

    Mexican Lasagna

    I collect cookbooks and recipes (this one is from my son's mother-in-law). My husband teases me that I won't live long enough to try half of the recipes in my files! He loves this easy Mexican lasagna. —Rose Ann Buhle, Minooka, Illinois

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    14/41

    Taste of Home

    White Texas Sheet Cake

    This cake gets better the longer it sits, so I try to make it a day ahead. My mother-in-law introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me. With its creamy frosting and light almond flavor, no one can stop at just one piece! —Joanie Ward, Brownsburg, Indiana

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    15/41

    Freezer Sweet Corn

    People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have "fresh" corn any time of the year. —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota

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    16/41

    Spinach Turkey Meatballs

    Our children call these "Gramby Meatballs" because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It's a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York

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    17/41

    Bohemian Kolaches

    This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois

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    18/41

    Iced Cinnamon Potato Rolls

    This recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who remembers making these rolls often. Now I make them often. Maybe they'll be a hit with your family, too! —Jonas Schwartz, Berne, Indiana

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    19/41

    Taste of Home

    My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida

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    20/41

    Pork Medallions with Brandy Cream Sauce

    I adapted this easy, elegant main dish from a recipe my mother-in-law cooked for our family. Cayenne lends a bit of heat to its rich, creamy sauce. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

    21/41

    Taste of Home

    Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing

    When it’s time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it’s too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington

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    22/41

    Taste of Home

    Blueberry Slump

    My mother-in-law used to make slump with wild blueberries and serve it warm with a pitcher of farm cream on the table. My husband and I have been eating it for 58 years, but the recipe is even older! —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota

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    23/41

    Gran's Granola Parfaits

    When my mother-in-law (Gran to our kids) had us over for brunch, I especially enjoyed her yogurt parfaits. They were refreshing, light and wholesome. I made a few changes to her recipe and came up with this sweet, crunchy and nutty variation. Yum! —Angela Keller, Newburgh, Indiana

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    24/41

    My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona

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    25/41

    Cinnamon-Pear Rustic Tart

    I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with my husband's family in Montana. I loved the rustic simplicity of each dish we tasted, especially this rustic pear tart my mother-in-law made. —Leah Waldo, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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    26/41

    Christmas Sandwich Cookies

    My mother-in-law gave me the recipe for these lovely melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They're a Christmas tradition at our house. —Elizabeth Klager, St. Catharines, Ontario

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    27/41

    Zucchini Crust Pizza

    My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario

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    28/41

    Raspberry Swirls

    My mother-in-law shared the recipe for these old-fashioned cookies. Swirls of raspberry jam give them a yummy Yuletide twist. —Marcia Hostetter, Canton, New York

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    29/41

    Taste of Home

    Gingered Pepper Steak

    This wonderfully tender steak is a treat even for folks not watching their diet. When my mother-in-law shared the recipe, she said it cooks up in no time—and she was right! —Susan Adair, Somerset, Kentucky

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    30/41

    Taste of Home

    Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes

    The recipe for these filled and frosted cupcakes was handed down by my mother-in-law, who taught this fledgling cook what to do in the kitchen. She's no longer with us, but baking these treats reminds me of our good times together. —Judie Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, Iowa

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    31/41

    Taste of Home

    Gnocchi with Meat Sauce

    This dish from my mother-in-law is the Italian version of a meat-and-potatoes meal. I recently served it to friends who immediately wanted the recipe. —Karin Nolton, Ortonville, Michigan

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    32/41

    Taste of Home

    Baked Elephant Ears

    My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. These are a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois

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    33/41

    Cheesecake Pumpkin Muffins

    My mother-in-law came up with these tender treats by combining a few of her favorite muffin recipes. Chock-full of pumpkin, they feature both a sweet cream cheese filling and crunchy praline topping. —Lisa Powelson, Scott City, Kansas

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    34/41

    35/41

    Contest-Winning Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce

    I asked my mother-in-law for this recipe once I learned it's my husband's favorite. Now I bake it whenever he needs an extra-special treat. Spice cake topped with lemony sauce makes us both smile. —Kristen Oak, Pocatello, Idaho

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    36/41

    Taste of Home

    Nana's Rocky Road Fudge

    We make rocky road-style fudge every Christmas, but why wait until the holidays for a recipe this good? —Ashley Berry, Montgomery Village, Maryland

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    37/41

    Taste of Home

    Turkey Enchilada Stack

    As a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama

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    38/41

    Brownie Torte

    My mother-in-law first shared this recipe, and now it's often requested for birthdays and other special occasions. I like to serve it at Christmastime on an antique platter surrounded by ornaments for decoration. —Candace McClure, Brookville, Indiana

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    39/41

    Skillet Blueberry Slump

    My mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years. —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota

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    40/41

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed Fruit

    One summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington

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    41/41

    Double-Chocolate Toffee Icebox Cake

    My mother-in-law taught me that anything tastes good if you use enough chocolate or cream. This no-bake dessert proves she was right. Sometimes I use chocolate graham crackers and stack up the layers in a 9-inch square pan. —Bee Engelhart, Bloomfield Township, Michigan

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    Originally Published: June 19, 2019

    41 Recipes We Learned from Our Mother-in-Law (41)

    Emily Racette Parulski

    Emily has spent the last decade writing and editing food and lifestyle content. As a senior editor at Taste of Home, she leads the newsletter team sharing delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips to more than 2 million loyal email subscribers. Since joining TMB seven years ago as an associate editor, she has worked on special interest publications, launched TMB’s first cross-branded newsletter, supported the launch of the brand's affiliate strategy, orchestrated holiday countdowns, participated in taste tests and was selected for a task force to enhance the Taste of Home community. Emily was first mentioned by name in Taste of Home magazine in 1994, when her mother won a contest.When she’s not editing, Emily can be found in her kitchen baking something sweet, taking a wine class with her husband, or making lasagnas for neighbors through Lasagna Love.

    41 Recipes We Learned from Our Mother-in-Law (2024)

    FAQs

    When you were going to try a new recipe what is the first thing you want to do? ›

    Explanation: The first thing you want to do when trying a new recipe is to read through the recipe from beginning to end. This will give you an understanding of the steps and ingredients required. It's important to have a clear idea of what the recipe entails before you start.

    Why family recipes and their stories are important? ›

    Each dish we make is a tangible link that connects us to traditions, ingredients and cooking techniques of our ancestors. By preserving family recipes, we safeguard our identity as a family and as a person.

    What to cook for the in-laws in the UK? ›

    Something like Roast Chicken, Salad and new potatoes. Some kind of casserole/stew so it just sits in the oven getting delicious. I like pork, chorizo and white beans, or lamb tagine. Look up Roasting Tin recipes or traybakes.

    What is something nice to say about your mother in law? ›

    I'm the luckiest to have such an incredible mother-in-law in you, [Name]. I love you! Thanks for being such a loving mother figure to me. You're always there, through the ups and downs, and I'm so grateful.

    What makes the best mother in law? ›

    Be a Respectful Mother-in-Law

    Being respectful of the couple's time and relationship builds a sense of trust. It also communicates that you value and prioritize their needs as a family unit and are willing to respect their boundaries. In return, they will hopefully respect your boundaries as well.

    What is the first thing I should cook? ›

    Marshmallows. "The best thing for someone getting into baking to make: marshmallows," says pastry chef Stella Parks of BraveTart.com. "You mix corn syrup, sugar, and water and boil it to about 250 degrees, which makes it firmer.

    What is recipes for a new beginning? ›

    Recipes for a New Beginning is a literary and scholarly work, a cookbook, a cultural dictionary, and a memorial album of Transylvanian Jews. It is a historical summary of the Transylvanian Jewish community's past 100 years based on 10 in-depth interviews.

    How do I choose the right recipe? ›

    Choose recipes that fit your food preparation skills. Use recipes low in sugar, salt, and fat to follow the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Consider the cost and availability of the ingredients. Can you find the ingredients locally or substitute something similar?

    Why are recipes important to people? ›

    Recipes provide consistency in the production of menu items. Recipes provide food cost control. Recipes provide knowledge for front of the house staff as a sales tool and to help consumers with dietary concerns and allergies.

    What is a quote about family recipes? ›

    “But perhaps the most precious heirlooms are family recipes. Like a physical heirloom, they remind us from whom and where we came and give others, in a bite, the story of another people from another place and another time.” “But perhaps the most precious heirlooms are family recipes.

    Why are old recipes important? ›

    Old family recipes are important because, like photographs, they can transport us back in time to our loved ones' homes where many happy memories were made. Recipe books frequently get a lot of wear and tear.

    What to feed your in-laws? ›

    20 Recipe Ideas To Impress Your In-Laws
    • 01 of 20. Hot Chocolate Lasagna. ...
    • 02 of 20. Roasted Lemon-Pepper Chicken. ...
    • 03 of 20. Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake. ...
    • 04 of 20. Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls. ...
    • 05 of 20. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. ...
    • 06 of 20. Tiny Tacos. ...
    • 07 of 20. Potlikker Pappardelle. ...
    • 08 of 20. Heavenly Chicken Lasagna.
    Jan 21, 2024

    What is a simple 3-course meal? ›

    3 course meal: A 3 course dinner menu includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert.

    How do I make my mother-in-law feel special? ›

    Show genuine interest in her. Ask questions, seek her advice, compliment her, and offer help whenever possible. Set boundaries with your spouse's help. Compromise with your in-law where possible and respect her priorities, but always hold true to your values.

    What present to buy your mother-in-law? ›

    Gifts for Mother-in-law
    • Photo Blankets. For the mother-in-law who loves to show off her grandkids, make a blanket with their photos! ...
    • Photo Canvas. Family holidays, weekends with the kids… ...
    • Photo Books for Mother-in-Law. ...
    • Framed Photos. ...
    • Photo Puzzle. ...
    • Personalised Photo Mugs. ...
    • Photo Cushions. ...
    • Photo Slates.

    What to feed the inlaws? ›

    20 Recipe Ideas To Impress Your In-Laws
    • 01 of 20. Hot Chocolate Lasagna. ...
    • 02 of 20. Roasted Lemon-Pepper Chicken. ...
    • 03 of 20. Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake. ...
    • 04 of 20. Cookies And Cream Cinnamon Rolls. ...
    • 05 of 20. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. ...
    • 06 of 20. Tiny Tacos. ...
    • 07 of 20. Potlikker Pappardelle. ...
    • 08 of 20. Heavenly Chicken Lasagna.
    Jan 21, 2024

    How do I honor my mother-in-law? ›

    HONOR HER THROUGH TANGIBLE HELP

    Providing tangible help is a way to practically come alongside your mother-in-law. Maybe she's a gardener and you can offer to help her weed and plant flowers. Or maybe she's walking through a time of chronic sickness and you can drive her to the doctor or bring a meal.

    References

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