We’re currently asking our site users to submit their favorite heirloom recipes—treasures handed down from one generation to another.

Naturally, it got me to thinking about my own family heirloom recipes.

I came from a pretty big family, one of four kids growing up in southwest Missouri. We employed a wonderful cook, a sweet lady named Parthenia, who was with us for almost 30 years. She didn’t just work for the family, she was part of the family, and, as a little girl, I learned so much about cooking from her.

Parthenia never used a recipe. She did everything from memory, or instinct or something. But, whatever she made, whether it was a simple sandwich or a sumptuous dinner, it always tasted fabulous, and it always looked amazing. She taught me a lot about the importance of attractive food presentation.

I’d love to include one of Parthenia’s recipes in our Heirloom Recipes feature. Unfortunately, no recipes exist because, as I said, she never used them. But I did want to remember her. She was pretty special. Thanks, Parthenia.

My Grandmother Hannah was a terrific cook as well, and a lovely woman. She created some incredible desserts. One of my all-time favorites was her plum spice cake. Okay, I know it doesn’t sound good, but it is to die for. So that’s the one I’m offering up as my Heirloom Recipe. It’s heavenly, luscious and moist. I think you will love it.

I look forward to seeing what heritage recipe you’re going to share.

Ways to share:
Scan an old recipe, OR

Take a photograph of an old recipe, OR

Retype an old recipe.

Then simply attach to an email and send to Editor. Be sure to put Heirloom in the subject line.