Classic Yankee Recipes That Never Go Out of Style
When it comes to traditional cooking, there’s no beating the flavors and favorites from New England. For generations, families have gathered around tables filled with comforting dishes that evoke memories of cozy winter nights and summertime barbecues. In this collection of 18 classic recipes, we’re sharing some of the most beloved Yankee Magazine dishes that are sure to become staples in your own kitchen.
From creamy chowders to sweet treats, these tried-and-true recipes have been perfected over the years by home cooks just like you. Whether you’re a lifelong New Englander or simply looking for a taste of the region’s signature flavors, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and become new family favorites.
Stay tuned for our first recipe: New England Clam Chowder, a classic that never goes out of style!
New England Clam Chowder
This creamy and flavorful soup is a staple of New England cuisine, perfect for a chilly day or as a comforting side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious bowl of goodness that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and chopped (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add clams, flour, milk, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Maple-Glazed Roasted Turkey
Elevate your holiday meal with this sweet and savory maple-glazed roasted turkey recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Rub the glaze all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Boston Baked Beans
This classic New England dish is a staple of family gatherings and potlucks. With its sweet, smoky flavor and tender texture, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or bean pot, combine the soaked and drained navy beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add the water and stir until the beans are well coated with the mixture.
4. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake
Start your day off right with this sweet and satisfying blueberry buckle coffee cake, loaded with fresh blueberries and topped with a crumbly brown sugar topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and top with brown sugar mixture (and pecans if using).
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lobster Roll with Lemon Aioli
Savor the taste of the ocean with this indulgent lobster roll recipe, perfectly paired with a zesty lemon aioli that adds a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat, lightly chopped
– 4 soft, split-top buns
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter the buns and toast until lightly browned.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together lobster meat, lemon juice, mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Divide the lobster mixture among the buns, mounding it slightly.
5. Grill the rolls for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the lobster is warmed through.
6. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Cider Donuts
These soft and fluffy donuts are infused with the sweet flavors of apple cider, making them a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until smooth.
4. Cover the mixture and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and use a donut cutter to shape into donuts.
6. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain donuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
These soft and fluffy pumpkin whoopie pies are a perfect fall treat, filled with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a dessert for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, pumpkin puree, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
6. Allow to cool on wire rack before filling with cream cheese frosting (recipe not included).
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yankee Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
This hearty dish is a classic American comfort food that’s perfect for cold winter nights. Tender beef and root vegetables slow-cooked in a rich broth create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs beef chuck roast
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large turnip, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
4. Add the chopped vegetables around the roast in the pot.
5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Cook for 3-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 3-1/2 hours
Cranberry Orange Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the sweetness of orange with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, milk, eggs, cranberries, orange juice, and zest. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Vermont Cheddar Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food recipe that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with the rich flavor of Vermont cheddar. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup grated Vermont cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add milk and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Vermont cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rhode Island Johnnycakes
Experience the classic taste of Rhode Island with these tender and flaky Johnnycakes, a staple in New England cuisine. These sweet and savory treats are perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite breakfast or brunch dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter and buttermilk. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for 5 minutes, until smooth.
5. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brown Bread in a Can
This recipe makes a deliciously moist brown bread in just 45 minutes, with minimal effort required. Perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add melted butter and mix well.
4. Pour mixture into an ungreased 9-inch (23cm) can or pie plate.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe
This sweet and savory glazed ham recipe combines the richness of bourbon with the warmth of maple syrup, creating a deliciously flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
• 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over the surface, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
New England Boiled Dinner
A classic comfort food dish originating from New England, this boiled dinner is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender meats, vegetables, and potatoes. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or corned beef
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Add the salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour in the water, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Indian Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream
Experience the sweet and comforting combination of Indian pudding and vanilla ice cream. This creamy dessert is flavored with cardamom, a popular spice in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the drained rice, 3 cups of fresh water, ground cardamom, sugar, and butter.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Let the pudding cool to room temperature.
5. Serve the cooled pudding chilled, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Anadama Bread with Molasses
Experience the rich flavors of New England with this traditional bread recipe infused with molasses. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking, this hearty loaf is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down dough, shape into loaf, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Clam Cakes with Tartar Sauce
A classic coastal dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, these clam cakes are perfect for a seafood dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and chopped clams to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
4. Using wet hands, shape mixture into small patties.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry clam cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with tartar sauce.
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes.
Shaker Lemon Pie
A classic Shaker-style lemon pie that’s tangy, sweet, and utterly refreshing. This recipe is a staple of American colonial cuisine, with a flaky crust and a velvety lemon filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream or heavy cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish and trim edges to fit.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
6. Pour filling into the pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and hearty traditions of New England with these classic Yankee Magazine recipes! From comforting pot roast with root vegetables to decadent maple-glazed ham, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy tried-and-true favorites like Boston baked beans, apple cider donuts, and clam chowder, alongside sweet treats like blueberry buckle coffee cake and pumpkin whoopie pies. Whether you’re a native Yankee or just looking to taste the local flavors, these 18 recipes will transport you to the charm of New England’s countryside.
