Some recipes become favorites because they’re delicious. Others become favorites because they’re woven into our happiest memories.

When I was growing up, my maternal Aunt and Uncle, Barbara (Luttrell) Nafziger (1932-2007) and Marvin Nafziger (1927-2010), lived on a farm in West Unity, Ohio. As a city kid, visiting the farm felt like stepping into another world. We couldn’t wait to traipse alongside my cousins as they did their farm chores, that included feeding ear corn to the pigs. It was always a delight when the pigs had babies. Afterwords, we’d run around the property and soak up a little country life before heading back home.

My cousin, Peggy (Nafziger, Bowers) Pinette (1957-2016) who was a few years older than me, was taking home economics classes in junior high at that time and had learned to make brownies. Whenever we visited, we’d beg her to bake a pan, and she always did. They quickly became one of the highlights of every trip.

Years later when I had my wedding shower in 1984, guests were asked to bring a handwritten recipe card. Peggy knew exactly which recipe to share, and I’ve treasured her handwritten card ever since. Every time I make these brownies, they bring back memories of family, summer visits to the farm, and the kindness of a cousin who knew exactly what would make me smile.