Grandma Sonja's Tea Ring
Battle Lake, MN
Baking with my Grandma Sonja every summer on the lake are some of my most precious memories. The Tea Ring was a staple, especially in a home full of Norwegians. This treat is perfect for an impromptu brunch, a late night snack, or an excuse to invite everyone over to share a slice. A few tips: Don't skimp on the cinnamon and sugar, always use Fleschman's yeast, and if you can find Watkin's vanilla, go for it!
Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Evansville, IN
My mom is the queen of chocolate chip cookies. She would make them for after school snacks, soccer games, or just because. We could not live without them. My friends always asked where I got the cookies...my mom of course! Here's the secret: Always let the butter thaw, don't let the cookies get hard in the oven, and measure the salt exactly.
Grandma’s Cinnamon Thumbs
Battle Lake, MN
My Grandma gave this recipe to my mom years ago, and it’s been a staple each Christmas ever since. They were especially popular that the Cookie Exchange my mom hosted each year. These cookies are melt in your mouth kind of good. While they’re warm, toss them in cinnamon sugar for the perfect outer coating. These are cookies you’ll want the whole fam to help you with, because they’re so fun and easy to make!
Grandma’s Peanut Blossoms
Battle Lake, MN
My Grandma and my mom bake these every year for Christmas! I cannot imagine Christmas time without these cookies, an endless tray just waiting to be devoured. An alternative to chocolate kisses are chocolate stars….they’re a bit difficult to fine, but look and taste amazing with these cookies. You can freeze these, too!
Dad’s Pullaparts
Idaho
My Dad used to surprise us with these on the weekends. Our favorite part was helping him dip the dough into melted butter, and then rolling it in cinnamon and sugar. I loved waking up to the smell of these in the oven. If we didn't eat the whole pan before church, it would be gone by the time football started! You’ll LOVE this easy recipe.
Grandma’s Monster Cookies
Battle Lake
Grandma and I baked monster cookies every 4th of July at the lake. My cousins and I would create a 4th of July production that we rehearsed all week long. During our choreography breaks, we would steal monster cookies from the freezer, but we’d always leave enough for the big day. Theses cookies are our absolute favorite and the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal make them the perfect dessert!
Grandma’s Dirt Cake
Battle Lake, MN
My Grandma used to make us Dirt Cake in a sand pale, with a shovel and sour worms sticking out from the top. Every summer, it would be gone in seconds! You can add fruit to this simple recipe to make it slightly more healthy. If I were you, I’d stick to the worms!
Ina’s Chocolate Cupcakes
Portland, OR
I used to watch Ina Garten’s show every day after school, and appreciated her love of cooking for family, especially her man. Everything she baked appeared seamless. So obsessed with this recipe.
Grandma Sonja’s Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Battle Lake, MN
Bars were always a staple at the lake, and these were a cousin favorite! We used to sneak squares from the freezer on the daily. Get ready for the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate. Yum!
Suzette’s S’mores Bars
Minnesota
Who doesn’t like S’mores around a lake side campfire, right?! Get ready for a recipe with the ease of a Rice Krispy type bar but one that’s packed with another level of unbelievable chocolate and graham cracker flavor. My cousin whipped these out last summer at a Family Reunion in Minnesota. Within minutes, they were completely devoured! Making these bars has been a tradition in her family and she was gracious enough to share this tradition with the rest of us. Now, we’re all addicted! You will be too, trust me, they’re beyond worth it.
Grandma’s Oreo Cookie Dessert
Minnesota
It’s the dessert Grandma makes, where if you don’t get to the kitchen counter quick enough, you won’t even get a sliver. The balance of creamy pudding goodness sprinkled with Oreo crumbles is simply perfection. Growing up, one pan of this dessert was plenty. As our family continues to grow, 2 pans is the minimum, especially when Grandma makes it…you’ll always want 2nd’s!