At the heart of many families lies a treasure trove of cherished recipes, often passed down from generation to generation. These family favorites show up during the holidays, at birthday celebrations, for family gatherings, and even on the occasional weeknight.
From Sautéed Brussels Sprouts to Bison and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers, my family has its own collection of treasured recipes that bring back wonderful memories of people and times I cherish.
For this recipe feature, I’ve perused old handwritten recipe cards and dogeared, stained recipe books to share with you a delicious journey through family stories and flavors that bind us together. I hope these updated family heirlooms inspire you—and become new family favorites in your household!
Seared Sea Scallops with Cashew Butter Carrot Purée
This recipe is one of our family favorites. The seared scallops satisfy our seafood cravings and add a touch of elegance to any dinner or gathering. Carrot purée is often made with browned butter, but the cashew butter in this recipe adds a toasted, nutty flavor, along with the benefits of healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Pistachios
Brussels sprouts are an autumn staple in our family, and this version offers the added zing of lemon juice and lemon zest. Sautéing Brussels sprouts gives them a caramelized flavor and maintains a crispy texture, while the toasted pistachios add a layer of nutty crunch to every bite. Plus, these nutritious little cabbages are a great source of vitamins C and K and fiber!
Harvest Wild Rice Pilaf
My sister-in-law introduced us to this authentic wild rice recipe years ago, and it quickly became one of our favorites. It combines the earthy, nutty flavors of wild rice with a fresh mix of vegetables and a savory hit of back bacon. Higher in fiber and lower in calories than traditional rice grains, wild rice is also gluten free and antioxidant rich. This pilaf is delicious whether you serve it as a hot side dish or a cold side salad.
Bison and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Allowed to range freely and eat grass, rather than grain, bison have less fat than their cow counterparts, and their meat is less marbled than beef, meaning that fat is easier to opt in or out of. My family’s bison and black bean stuffed peppers contain lean, ground bison and high fiber black beans, creating a healthy, hearty twist on a comfort food classic!
Strawberry Mango Basil Sorbet
Nothing reminds me of summer more than this combination of sweet strawberries, tropical mangoes, tart limes, and savory basil. Fruit is nutrient dense, and mangoes are packed with vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as copper and magnesium. Not only is this simple sorbet a refreshing way to end a meal, it’s also a great way to boost your nutrient intake!
