Andrine’s Banana Cream Cake

Written on a torn little scrap of paper, Andrine’s Banana Cream Cake promises a moist, tender cake rich with ripe banana and vanilla—and only 25 minutes in the oven.

Written on a torn little scrap of paper, Andrine’s Banana Cream Cake promises a moist, tender cake rich with ripe banana and vanilla—and only 25 minutes in the oven.

A handwritten Sweet Potatoes recipe that turns six simple spuds into buttery, brown-sugar-glazed slices—with a charming little question about whether “candying” is quite the right word for it.

A handwritten recipe for Katie’s Dessert Salad, a fluffy mix of strawberry Jell-O, crushed pineapple, cream cheese and Cool Whip, with a little family trail stretching all the way to Ohio.

Forget the fruit cake that has to sit around for weeks—this typed recipe says to dig in while it’s still new, with raisins, dates, figs, citron and plenty of nuts packed into every slice.

Buttery shortbread topped with a bright, lemony almost-custard layer—this handwritten Lemon Squares recipe turns a handful of simple ingredients into something worth waiting to cool before cutting.

A handwritten recipe for a light, tender Milk Sponge Cake made with beaten eggs and hot milk, with your choice of vanilla or lemon for flavor—and it bakes in just 25 minutes.

A fluffy marshmallow frosting without the cooking—just egg whites, sugar, white Karo syrup and vanilla whipped into glossy peaks.

A handwritten Banana Bread recipe for two loaves, made with mashed bananas and sour milk, with optional nuts and a handwritten suggestion to add raisins.

A handwritten Jelly Roll recipe with lemon and Crisco that gives directions for mixing the batter but leaves the baking, filling and rolling instructions a mystery.

A handwritten recipe for Andrine’s Simple Date Cake, made with dates and nuts, baked in a loaf pan and served plain or topped with whipping cream or hard sauce.

A handwritten recipe for Mrs. T’s Oatmeal Cookies, with quick oats and chopped nuts, formed into rolls, chilled, sliced and baked.

A handwritten recipe for a sweet and tangy boiled dressing made with vinegar, sugar, mustard, butter and egg, with cream or vinegar added to thin it.

A mysterious handwritten Eagle Brand recipe fragment with crackers, chocolate chips and nuts—and only part of the original directions still intact.

A Knox Gelatine insert explaining the proper way to unmold molded gelatine, along with a bit of company history.

An old-fashioned apple butter made with cider, dark brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, then cooked slowly until thick.

A saved household tip for reviving wilted cut flowers and helping fresh flowers last longer.

Classic baked pinto beans with molasses, brown sugar, mustard and bacon or salt pork, carefully saved from the original package.

A 1969 newspaper recipe for a gingerbread cake roll filled with pineapple whipped cream and made in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

A saved newspaper clipping warning about poisonous plants and identifying the parts considered dangerous.

Handwritten instructions for reassembling a kitchen faucet, saved right alongside the recipes.

A sweet green tomato and onion pickle seasoned with mustard, pepper, allspice and cloves.

A brown sugar rhubarb cake topped with cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream or ice cream.

A simple baked casserole combining prawns, ham, mushrooms, tomatoes and Minute Rice.

A handwritten recipe for traditional Krumkager flavored with cardamom and baked in a stovetop iron, complete with a practical note about the butter.