YaYa's Cookbook

06/18/2026

Delicious Turkey Meatloaf

This Turkey Meatloaf is a lighter take on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, tender sautéed onions, and a simple ketchup glaze, it bakes into a moist and flavorful loaf that is perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare and packed with homemade goodness, this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf while keeping things a little lighter. It is delicious served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or tucked into a sandwich the next day.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 small onion finely minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1.3 pounds lean ground turkey
1/2 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside for the topping.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked onions, breadcrumbs, egg, remaining ketchup, marjoram, and salt. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place into the prepared loaf pan or onto a baking sheet. Spread the ketchup topping evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

06/18/2026

🔥 Craving a crispy, savory snack? These Baked Sausage Wontons are a must-try! Packed with flavorful sausage, carrots, and water chestnuts, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy wonton—baked, not fried! 😋 Perfect for parties, appetizers, or just a fun treat at home.

Try them out and let me know what you think! 👇👇

06/16/2026

French Dip Beef

This slow cooked French Dip Beef is one of those comforting meals that fills the house with the smell of rich onions, garlic, and savory beef all day long. Tender chuck roast cooks low and slow until it practically falls apart, creating flavorful sandwiches served on toasted hoagie rolls with warm au jus for dipping. It is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weekdays, game days, or relaxed Sunday suppers with family gathered around the table.

Ingredients:

3 lb chuck roast
2 cups beef broth
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1 onion sliced
4 cloves garlic minced
Hoagie rolls
Provolone cheese optional

Instructions:

Place sliced onions into the bottom of the crockpot.
Add chuck roast on top of the onions.
Sprinkle au jus gravy mix and minced garlic over the roast.
Pour beef broth around the meat.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork tender.
Remove beef and shred with two forks.
Return shredded beef to the crockpot and stir into the juices.
Toast hoagie rolls lightly if desired.
Pile beef onto rolls and top with provolone cheese.
Serve with warm au jus on the side for dipping.

06/15/2026

Fresh garden tomatoes and cheesy comfort food come together in this delicious Southern Tomato Pie 🍅🥧

This recipe is one of those old-fashioned Southern favorites that never goes out of style.

Flaky pie crust, layers of juicy tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy Parmesan topping make every bite so good.

It is perfect for summer suppers, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Serve it warm or at room temperature for an easy meal everyone will love.

I especially love making this when tomatoes are fresh from the garden.
Pair it with a salad or grilled chicken for a simple Southern meal.

Y’all are going to want seconds of this one.

Find more family recipes at YaYasCookbook.com ❤️

06/14/2026

Cole Slaw

Shirley’s Cole Slaw is a simple, creamy, and refreshing Southern-style side dish that has been passed down through generations. Made with grated cabbage, a touch of sweetness from bread and butter pickle juice, and a creamy mayonnaise base, this cold slaw is perfect for pairing with barbecue, fried chicken, or sandwiches. It is light, crunchy, and full of flavor without being fussy.

Ingredients:

2 cups grated cabbage
1 T. liquid from Bread and Butter Pickles
1/2 cup mayonnaise only Dukes! or amount to get creamy consistency
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate.

Notes
This is my mother Shirley’s cole slaw and everyone loves it!

06/14/2026

🌿 Hi y’all, it’s Yaya popping in from my cozy kitchen!

If you’ve been enjoying our recipes, stories, and all the love that comes out of this home, I’d be so grateful if you’d follow us on all our socials. It helps more families find these old Southern treasures and keeps Mama Shirley’s recipes alive for another generation.
You’ll find new dishes, step-by-step cooking moments, pantry tips, and a peek into our busy, loud, wonderful family life. Come join us wherever you like to spend your time.

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Every follow, like, and share means more than you know. Thank you for being part of our kitchen family. ❤️

06/13/2026

Easy Strawberry Jam Without Pectin

This easy homemade strawberry jam recipe is made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice without using pectin. It is sweet, fresh, and perfect for biscuits, toast, or desserts.

Ingredients:

16 ounces fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

Add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a heavy-bottom saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the sugar completely dissolves.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Stir frequently while gently mashing the strawberries with a spoon or potato masher.
Continue cooking until the jam thickens and the bubbling covers the entire surface of the jam, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and carefully transfer the jam to clean jars.
Allow the jam to cool to room temperature.
Seal and refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for longer storage.

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

Southern Fried Okra

This Southern Fried Okra recipe is a true Southern classic made with fresh okra coated in a seasoned cornmeal breading and fried until perfectly golden and crispy. It is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and full of comforting old-fashioned flavor. Whether served alongside barbecue, fried chicken, burgers, or summer vegetables, this easy side dish always feels right at home on the supper table. Fresh from the skillet, it is one of those timeless recipes families request again and again because every crispy bite tastes like Southern comfort food at its best.

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh okra sliced into ½-inch pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 large eggs
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup cornmeal
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Wash and dry the okra well, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Season the okra lightly with salt and pepper.
Beat the eggs in a small bowl until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Dip the okra into the dry coating mixture first.
Next, dip the okra into the beaten eggs.
Return the okra to the coating mixture and toss until fully coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the okra in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain before serving warm

06/09/2026

Heart-Healthier Sandwich Bread

A soft and hearty homemade sandwich bread made with whole wheat flour, olive oil, and flaxseed for a more heart-conscious loaf that still tastes wonderfully homemade.

Ingredients:

4 cups bread flour
1½ cups whole wheat flour
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
1½ teaspoons salt
1¾ cups warm milk
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Optional olive oil for brushing after baking

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the olive oil, egg, and salt until blended.
Add the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and flaxseed a little at a time until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch the dough down gently and shape into a loaf. Place into a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Brush lightly with olive oil if desired and let cool before slicing.