Beef Hanger Steak: Pan Seared & Butter Basted
Master the best beef hanger steak recipe using high-heat searing and butter basting for a restaurant-quality meal. Learn how to cook hanger steak perfectly.
Martha Collins
Hi, I'm Martha! I learned to cook standing on a step stool in my grandma's Tennessee kitchen. Now I'm on a mission to preserve those treasured family recipes and share them with a new generation. So glad you're cooking with me!
About Me:
Meet Martha Collins
Some of my earliest memories are standing on a wooden step stool in my grandmother's kitchen in rural Tennessee, watching her transform simple ingredients into pure magic. She never used measuring cups—just her hands, her instincts, and generations of knowledge passed down from her own mother and grandmother before her.
When Grandma Eileen passed away in 2015, I inherited her recipe box—a worn tin filled with handwritten index cards, newspaper clippings, and notes scribbled on napkins. Some cards were so stained with butter and flour that I could barely read them. That box became my most treasured possession, and My Grandma Recipes was born from my desire to preserve these recipes and share them with families everywhere.
My Cooking Philosophy
- From Scratch, Always: Grandma never opened a can of cream-of-anything soup, and neither do I. Real ingredients create real flavor—there's no shortcut for that.
- Tested Until Perfect: I make every recipe at least three times before sharing it. If my kids won't eat it or my husband doesn't ask for seconds, it doesn't make the cut.
- Clear Instructions: I write recipes like I'm teaching my own daughter—patient, detailed, and assuming you might be learning as you go.
Background & Experience
I'm a mom of three (ages 8, 12, and 15), married to my high school sweetheart, and living in the same small town where I grew up. I spent fifteen years as an elementary school teacher before leaving to focus on recipe development and food writing full-time. My work has been featured in Southern Living, Taste of Home, and several local newspapers.
When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll find me tending my vegetable garden, hunting for vintage cookware at estate sales, or teaching my kids the same recipes Grandma taught me. There's no greater joy than watching my daughter pull a perfect pie out of the oven and knowing this tradition will continue.
Connect with Martha:
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My Latest recipes:
Mango Lemon Drink Recipe | Homemade Refreshing
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What Goes With Chicken Noodle Soup: Herb Crust
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Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate: Rich & Velvety Sips
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Chocolate Peanut Clusters: Silky Finish
Make simple chocolate peanut clusters with a silky, shattering center. This no bake recipe uses two chocolates for the best chocolate peanut clusters homemade.
French Onion Soup Pack Alternative: Quick Broth
Discover our Homemade French Onion Soup Pack Alternative. Get that bistro style broth taste without hours of simmering. The Best French Onion Soup Packet Hacks…
White Chocolate Pretzels: Salty-Sweet Snap
Whip up homemade white chocolate pretzels that boast a high-gloss finish and perfect snap. This easy recipe delivers the ultimate salty-sweet white chocolate…
Ezekiel Bread Recipe: Sprouted Loaf
Master the classic ezekiel bread recipe. This dense, flourless loaf features an earthy, nutty crumb and shatter-crisp crust. A worthwhile baking endeavor.
Shepherd s Pie Recipe Easy: Savory Beef Base
Get the definitive shepherd s pie recipe easy for busy weeknights! This dish features a savory beef base under tangy, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes. Total time…
Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe: Deep Broth
This foundational beef vegetable soup recipe creates a silky, mahogany-colored broth with fork-tender beef. The best beef vegetable soup recipe made low and…
Chicken and Dumplings From Scratch: Velvety Broth
Make the best chicken and dumplings from scratch with this recipe, yielding a velvety broth and fluffy dumplings. The ultimate homemade chicken and dumplings…
Green Bean Casserole From Scratch: Velvety Mushroom Velouté
Make the definitive green bean casserole from scratch, replacing canned soup with a velvety mushroom velouté. This homemade green bean casserole is a…
Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe: Velvety & Quick
Get the best homemade tomato soup recipe! This quick recipe uses a secret trick for a rich, restaurant-quality bisque in under 20 minutes.
Beef Pot Roast Recipe: Succulent and Fork-Tender
Follow this classic beef pot roast recipe to turn a tough chuck roast into a fork-tender masterpiece. Get the simple beef pot roast instructions today.
Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Velvety Broth
This budget-friendly chicken and rice soup recipe creates a velvety broth without heavy creams. Get tender, succulent results today!
Homemade Mac and Cheese From Scratch with Panko Crust
Learn how to make the best homemade mac and cheese from scratch with this guide. Achieve creamy, non-breaking sauce and a shattering panko crust in just 30…
Homemade Biscuits Recipe: Stratified Crumb
Master the art of the homemade biscuits recipe using frozen lipids for a towering, stratified crumb. This low-effort prep yields rich, buttery tang.
Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch: Collagen-Rich Broth
Make the ultimate chicken noodle soup from scratch using bone-in thighs for a silky, collagen-rich broth. This recipe ensures veggies stay crisp and noodles…
Homemade Gravy Recipe: Velvety Finish
Grab this foolproof homemade gravy recipe for a rich, mahogany-colored depth in under 10 minutes. Master the 7-minute roux for a lump-free result every time.
Apple Pie Recipe From Scratch: Shattering Crust
Learn this masterclass apple pie recipe from scratch featuring a shattering crust and spiced fruit center that holds its shape. Warm cinnamon flavor awaits!
Pound Cake Recipe: Velvety Crumb & Mahogany Crust
Discover the traditional pound cake recipe yielding a dense, velvety crumb and signature mahogany crust. Low effort, high precision required for this classic…
Potato Soup Recipe: Velvety Yukon Golds
This Old-Fashioned potato soup recipe yields a soul-warming bowl using Yukon Golds and Russets. A single-pot wonder ready in 50 minutes.
Deviled Eggs Recipe: Velvety Filling & Clean Peels
Follow this budget-conscious deviled eggs recipe for velvety fillings and clean-peeling shells using simple pantry staples. Tangy Dijon defines this classic…
Coleslaw Recipe That Holds Its Crunch
Stop making watery cabbage! This ultimate coleslaw recipe uses a precision dressing for a sharp, vibrant crunch that lasts. The definitive coleslaw recipe.
Fried Chicken Recipe: Succulent Brine
Discover our time-honored fried chicken recipe featuring a buttermilk soak for ultimate succulence. Get the crispy crust you crave!
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Mahogany Edges
Get the definitive chocolate chip cookies recipe for heirloom-quality treats. These cookies feature mahogany-crisped edges and a tender, molten center. A…
Banana Bread Recipe: Moist Loaf with Yogurt
Get our famous banana bread recipe! A moist, budget-conscious loaf relying on natural fruit sugars for a tender crumb. Your new favorite banana bread recipe.