Family Tree Foodie is a tribute to the incredible women in my life—my mom, grandmothers, aunts, and family friends—who have shaped me into who I am today. These strong, loving women have influenced me in so many ways, and their stories are woven into every recipe I share here.

The recipes you’ll find on my blog are inspired by the rich food memories I’ve gathered over the years. Many of these recipes come from my “matriarch muses”—the women who first cooked them and passed them down them down through the generations.  There’s something so special about finding their favorite recipes written in their own hand on fragile, well-worn paper. It feels like unearthing little treasures. I love talking with family members to learn more about their cooking styles, traditions, and the stories behind their favorite meals—whether it’s an everyday dish, weekly bread-baking rituals, or festive holiday treats. Recreating their recipes, while adding my own twist, makes me feel like I’m cooking alongside them in their kitchens.

Through this journey, it has been my great privilege to help friends, and even people outside of my own family tree, celebrate their matriarchs, food memories, and recipes. Collaborating with others to tell their stories and recreate their most special family dishes has been incredibly meaningful to me. Learning about different cultures, traditions, and the women who inspire them has added so much richness to this journey.

It’s such a joy to share these recipes, not just with those who remember them, but also with younger generations who might be trying them for the first time. Food really is a time machine—it can take us from black-and-white memories to the vibrant, colorful lives these women led.

At the bottom of each recipe inspired by one of my matriarchs, you’ll find a photo and a short bio about her, along with links to other recipes she’s inspired.