5 Iconic Childhood Recipes

1. Classic Cheese Burger

Sink your teeth into this American favorite! Juicy, flavorful beef patties topped with gooey cheddar, fresh veggies, and zesty condiments, all tucked into a toasted bun. It’s simple, satisfying , and totally irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean and 20% fat)
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (optional)
• Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise

Time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat
2. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties. Season with salt and pepper
3. Cook patties on the skillet or grill for 3-4 minutes per side (medium doneness). Add a cheese slice on top during the last minute of cooking.
4. Toast the buns for 1 minute on the skillet or grill.
5. Assemble the burger with your desired toppings and seasoning.
6. Serve Hot

Smoky, tender, and dripping with caramelized BBQ sauce, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are a backyard barbeque essential. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a sticky gaze, they’ll have everyone licking their fingers for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3 lbs)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Time: 3.5 hours (including baking time)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 276* F (135*C).
2. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub generously onto the ribs.
3. Wrap the ribs in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 3 hours.
4. Remove from the oven, unwrap, and brush with BBQ sauce.
5. Broil for 5-7 minutes or grill for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
6. Serve with extra sauce.

3. Mac and Cheese

Indulge in creamy, cheesy comfort with this classic side dish. Perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce-it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to the table every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Serve warm.

4. Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside- this golden fried chicken delivers bold Southern flavors. The Secret? Buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned crust. It’s crunchy, savory, and made for second helpings.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
• 2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

Time: 45 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight
2. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350*F (175*C)
4. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
5. Enjoy!

5. New York-Style Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Time: 1.5 hours (plus 4 hours chilling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325*F (163*C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter, then press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs (one at a time), and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
4. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice and serve.