Recently, during a conversation with friends, the topic somehow turned to baking and Bisquick (of all things). This prompted me to remember a Bisquick cookbook my mom had for as long as I could remember. I started telling my friends all the things you can make with Bisquick and was determined to find the book.
My mom passed away in 2021, and keeping all of her recipes is something I treasure, and it provides me with so many happy memories.
I went into the basement, knowing exactly where to look, and pulled out “The Best of Bisquick,” a paperback booklet of 100 pages now in about three parts with stains on the pages of our favored recipes. The inscription inside says “Dear Angela, To my lifelong ‘cousin.’ Fondly, Peggy”, as it was a gift from her lifelong friend.
Looking through the recipe book made me think of just how strongly food is linked to memory and how you can make some of the best memories just by simply getting into the kitchen with your kids.
Page 29. Impossible Pie
The magical pie that makes its own crust! My mom was the only one in our family who liked quiche, so she would make variations of this for herself using whatever types of cheese and veggies she was in the mood for. Years later, this became an act of love, baking zucchini pies for my kids. They would devour them happily in their high chairs. I now make my own version that’s less a quiche and more a bread, but nothing will ever compare to Mom’s.
Page 64. Pumpkin Bread
This is something my mom started making for me when I was in college. My parents would visit, and she’d come bearing the special treat, “I baked you a pumpkin bread.” Soon, she’d bring it to my apartment on the Upper East Side, then to my first home as a newlywed, and finally to my current home where my kids couldn’t get enough of Gigi’s pumpkin loaf.
Page 86. Pancakes
A solid anytime staple. I remember my mom making pancakes for dinner sometimes on Friday nights. I’ve used the same recipe to make pancakes and waffles forever. And I’m lucky enough to make my waffles on the same waffle iron my mom got for her bridal shower since any modern one I bought broke down super quickly. My daughter now likes to make us pancakes on some weekend mornings, and I know my mom is proud. Not only are we keeping traditions alive, but a part of her is with us every step of the way.
Page 89. Coffee Cake
I vividly remember helping my mom in the kitchen, putting together this simple coffee cake. She always made the best crumbs! In seventh grade home economics class, my friend and I even used this recipe to do our required cooking demonstration in front of the class. I told my daughter about it the other day. She’s taking a Home & Careers course in fifth grade and said they may have the chance to cook some things, too. I’d love to help her perfect this recipe to share with the class.
