Novel Recipes—then and now

ByTamera Alexander
2 Comments

Inspired by Angie’s post yesterday, I was reminded of all the recipes I’ve included in my novels through the years . . .

The chocolate chess pie from To Wager Her Heart is a long time family favorite, and so easy. I love one bowl pies. The Carrot Cake from To Whisper Her Name is absolutely delicious, too, and worth the extra effort. Tennessee Teacakes, also from the Belle Meade Plantation novels, are truly a treat straight from history, and I love it when book clubs make them then share their pictures with me.

Are you a quiche fan? Though I haven’t made a quiche in forever, I really like them, and the Ham and Cheddar Quiche featured in A Beauty So Rare is so good. Belle Meade Syllabub (made with wine) is an authentic recipe from 19th century Belle Meade Plantation. I always find it interesting to taste foods from different time periods, do you?

The Southern buttermilk pie featured in A Beauty So Rare is also an oldie but goodie. Another “one bowl” pie that comes together in a hurry. Warm from the oven? Oh my, so good.

Aunt Issy’s Lemon Cookies from To Win Her Favor are delicate and absolutely delectable. The icing gives them just the right zing! And finally, beaten biscuits are another authentic 19th century recipe that I included in the Belle Meade Plantation novels. One that requires some muscle! But they really are fun to make, especially if you have some frustration to work out.

All the recipes can be found on my website under Bonus Features | Novel Recipes.

Lastly, in case you missed Angie Hunt’s last post with us yesterday, be sure and check it out. Angie, once you achieve your first “cupcake bouquet,” which no doubt you will, please come back and share it with us. I can’t wait to see it and celebrate with you. We’ll miss your contributions here, my friend.

So what’s the last baked good you’ve made? A cake? Cookies? Some kind of yummy, comforting quick bread? Do you have a “family favorite” that you make often? Or perhaps an old recipe from the 18th or 19th century? Do share…

Much love from Nashville,

Tammy

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Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops. In These Hills, her newest novel, releases September 2026.

2 Comments

  1. The last baked good I made was some sugar cookies that I took to a family gathering over the weekend. They weren’t my grandmother’s sugar cookies… and I was quick to tell my sister that I need a copy of that recipe, but everyone seemed to enjoy them. We talked about how different recipes were back when. And how much of a difference it makes when you use lard instead of a modern day equivalent. Haha! (the lard really does make them taste better!)

    1. LOL on the lard, Joy. YES, it does! So many of my really old, authentic recipes have that listed as an ingredient.

      I love sugar cookies, and I’m sure yours were yummy! If ever you get that recipe of your grandmother’s I’d love to have it—if you’re open to sharing. ; )

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