A treasured memory is of the children picking up ripe persimmons that had fallen from the trees after a frost in November.  I’ve long felt that The Joy of Cooking’s persimmon pudding recipe that I use is the best one.  And, of course, each slice of this delicious seasonal dessert made with native Missouri persimmons should be covered with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.  

This is one of those flexible, “knock-your-socks-off” recipes, that’s downright seductive. A twist on the classic blackberry cobbler, this pear-infused dessert is the comfort food you don’t want to miss.

Shared by Karen Touzeau, this recipe is versatile and can be served for any meal. Use farm fresh eggs and cheese from the Columbia Farmers Market to create savory crustless custards!

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill shares her thai chicken noodle recipe.

Shared by Julie Middleton, Texas Sheet Cake is a cherished family dessert recipe and an all-time favorite.

Shared by Julie Middleton, this family’s decadent dessert is so pretty to look at and even better to taste. Featuring coconut, pecans, vanilla, and German Chocolate taste, this cake is sure to please the entire family.

This is a homemade, healthy soup, brought to us by Rockie and Mike Alden, that great nutrition and tastes great. Adapted from an Ina Garten recipe, this soup can easily adjust to your preferences and ingredients on hand.

This 4th-generation family specialty, lovingly referred to as “Oven Omelet,” can be assembled quickly during the week or crafted as the focus of a special weekend meal.

Shared by Barbara Williamson, this baked oatmeal dish can be served hot or cold, and with or without nuts. It’s the perfect breakfast item or dessert with ice cream!

From the kitchen of Brook Harlan, this recipe takes the ooey-gooeynees of mac and cheese and adds a buttery crunch. A comfort food that gives back!

This hearty hamburger veggie soup comes from the kitchen of Muriel Battle Browder. It’s a one-pot treat that can last all week and is a proven family favorite!

Known in her family as "that bison casserole,” Danita Allen Wood shares a treasured family recipe using bison that is the definition of comfort food.

Donna Battle Pierce shares a family treasure, Mom’s Slow Cooker Gumbo. This gumbo has long symbolized their ancestors and their courage when moving from the Gulf Coast to Missouri.