November 19, 2024
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The holidays are here — a time for warm meals, fond memories, and gathering with the people who matter most. For us, the season isn’t just about the food on the table. It’s about the moments we share, the stories we tell, and the traditions that remind us of what matters most.
Building a legacy is about more than plans or financial decisions. It’s in the laughter passed between generations, the lessons we teach, and the recipes we share year after year. A well-loved dish is more than just food — it’s a connection to those who came before us and a gift to those who’ll come after.
This year, we’re sharing a few family favorites from our recipe box. These dishes have been passed down, treasured, and enjoyed for decades. We hope they bring joy to your table, just as they’ve brought to ours.
Mike Caffey: Cream Cake
This recipe comes from Mike’s great-grandmother, who perfected it on their family’s cattle ranch using fresh heavy cream straight from the source.
It quickly became a holiday favorite, always the first dessert to disappear at every gathering. Whether it was for a big celebration or a simple family dinner, this cake brought everyone together around the table.
Too Good to Save for Later
For Mike, it’s more than just a cake. It’s a connection to his family’s history and a reminder of the people who made those moments special. Over the years, it’s even become his official birthday cake, proving that some traditions really are too good to let go.
Jamie Mitchell: Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is incredibly special to Jamie — it’s her mom’s sweet potato casserole, a dish that graced their table during every holiday. Jamie's mom will have been gone for three years this Christmas, but every time this side dish is made, it feels like she’s right there with the family. Sharing this recipe feels like a way to honor her legacy, keeping her memory alive while passing on her love for cooking and family.
A Tip From Mom
Canned yams don’t always taste the same—sometimes they’re too sweet, sometimes not sweet enough. The key is to add sugar a little at a time and taste as you go. It’s all about finding the perfect balance for your palate.
Mandi Applegate: Chocolate Sheet Cake
For over four generations, this cake has been the centerpiece of birthdays, holidays, and quiet Sunday afternoons. It’s the most requested dessert in Mandi's family, disappearing almost as quickly as it’s made. Its rich, simple, and impossibly comforting.
Though Mandi's mom baked it from memory for years, she finally wrote it down to pass it on. She wanted to ensure that this beloved recipe — and the tradition it represents — could continue for generations to come.
As we look at these recipes, we’re reminded that a legacy is about more than what you leave behind. It’s about what you share every day—the laughter, the values, and the traditions that bind us together.
These dishes represent the connection and love that have filled our homes over the years. They’re little pieces of who we are, tied to memories we’ll always cherish. That’s what legacy is all about: creating something meaningful, sharing it with others, and passing it on for generations to come.
From Our Family to Yours
We hope these recipes bring a little extra warmth to your holiday season and spark special memories at your table. Thank you for being part of our story—we’re so grateful for your trust and partnership.
From our family to yours, here’s to a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and plenty of seconds.
