Annual Food & Drink Issue
heir·loom (noun): a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
From furniture and faith to collectibles and character traits, there are a lot of things that get passed down over the course of a family’s history, and recipes are no exception. But a recipe nurtured by generations of love and care is so much more than the food it creates. It’s also a reminder of the laughter and light that can happen when a family comes together.
Photography by Rich Smith
Melissa Davenport with Susan Birkhead | East Ridge
“During the Vietnam War, my Uncle Ernie gave up his full-ride scholarship playing football for the University of Tennessee to join the Marines. While he was stationed in Vietnam, his wife, my Aunt Margaret, would make these chocolate drop cookies and mail them to him. By the time the cookies made it to him, they had been reduced to mere crumbs in transit. Uncle Ernie reported back that he and his buddies didn’t care; they would pass the box around and eat until every last crumb was gone.” – Melissa Davenport
Yields: 20 cookies
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Boil for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir well. Once mixture is well combined, stir in oats. Drop heaping tablespoons onto parchment-lined countertop. Allow to cool 4-6 hours. Store in an airtight container.
