Aged to Perfection: The Bourbon Episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories!

Ever wondered how bourbon became such a staple in old-fashioned American family gatherings and even recipes? In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take you on a journey through the rich history and personal family stories of bourbon.

Here they'll take you on a journey of some very interesting "spirited" origins of iconic distilleries like Buffalo Trace, delve into the differences between bourbon and whiskey, and share some personal tales—like that time someone tried to smuggle homemade moonshine through airport security!

And of course, Nancy and Sylvia can't talk about bourbon without mentioning Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve. This ultra-rare bourbon, aged for up to 23 years, has become a collector's dream, with one bottle that's even been sold for $125,000 at auction. Its scarcity and unique flavor profile have secured its status as the ultimate example of good-old American bourbon craftsmanship. ​

There's a lot of mystique and mystery that comes in a glass of bourbon and stories from birth, weddings, death, and even beyond the grave!

So, pour yourself a glass and join Nancy and Sylvia as they tilt their glasses to the stories that make our family traditions - and bourbon - so special.

Key Takeaways:

• The early stories of how bourbon came to be.
• The "recipe."
• Buffalo really did roam Kentucky, and the importance of this to bourbon and whiskey.
• Stories about some of the most expensive bourbon on the market, and why it's so pricy.
• Personal inside stories about bourbon, whisky, and even moonshine
• How bourbon brings families together, and more.

🎧 Tune In and Share the Love and More in this Mother's Day episode :

Join us as we celebrate Mother's Day by honoring the traditions, recipes, and stories that connect us to our roots. Whether you're looking for ideas to start a new tradition or simply honoring mom with tried-and-true traditions, this episode is a tribute to mothers everywhere.

Remember, every mom, whether human or fur-baby caregiver, deserves a day filled with joy, good food, and endless stories.

Tune in now and make this Mother's Day unforgettable for you and your mom!

📣 What's Next?

Love food and a good story? Hit subscribe to Family Tree, Food & Stories for more unforgettable tales where laughter simmers, tradition stirs, and every meal comes with a side of real-life flavor.

👇 Share this episode with a friend who’s ever fought a box of noodles and lived to tell about it—and don’t forget to leave a review!

👇Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail or send us a DM on Facebook.

Additional Links ❤️

• Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on Amazon
• Instagram 📸
• FaceBook 👍

About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lo...

In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, Sylvia Lovely learns that after owning a restaurant for 20 years, how to cook a “simple lasagna”. Her experience in the kitchen takes a few unexpected twists and turns, from battling uncooperative pasta to creating a "lasagna disaster piece" that’s now legendary. Her candid, self-deprecating tell-all may be a dose of reality for some of you who’ve tried to make the perfect lasagna and had your disasters along the way.

But all are worth a good laugh or two, for sure. This episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories isn’t just about Sylvia’s kitchen mishaps; it’s more of a celebration of starting over, learning to run with imperfection, and finding joy in the messiness of life, and yes, a few wet noodles too.

Sylvia reflects on how she and her husband,, Bernie,, enjoyed the community they built at Restaurant Azure, which is now being recreated and reinvented and coming back to life in their hometown.

🍴Key Takeaways:

• Always be courageous to try something new, even if it means failing spectacularly.
• Sometimes the best meals, and memories come out of a "disaster" in the kitchen.
• The reminder is that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your passions.

What happens when a small-town girl becomes a college Freshman with ambitions? This episode is one every parent, and Freshman will learn from!

In this episode of Family Tree Food and Stories, join co-host Sylvia Lovely as she recounts a pivotal moment in her life that intertwines ambition, family expectations, and an unforgettable dining experience. Raised in a humble background where college wasn't even on the radar, Sylvia's sudden declaration to pursue higher education led her to Moorhead State University. However, a seemingly simple luncheon turns into a memorable lesson in social graces when Sylvia encounters a dining dilemma that leaves everyone at the table in silent amusement. Discover how this hilarious and heartwarming story of a girl navigating her way through new experiences highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Listen in to discover how a waitress's mentioned menu option becomes a cherished memory, reflecting the universal power of food to connect us all.

Key Learning Points:

• Overcoming familial and societal expectations and pursuit of higher education.
• The humorous side of navigating new social situations.
• The cultural significance of food in shaping and recalling personal memories.
• The power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow and learn.
• The importance of supportive communities in personal development.

Recipes From My 90-Year-Old Mom, and so Much More!

With our special guest, Freda Meriwether.

In this episode of the Family Tree, Food & Stories podcast, Co-Host Sylvia Lovely reconnects with her good friend, Freda Meriwether, who shares captivating and colorful food tales of her 90-year-old mother, Gloria Polly Medea Rice. The conversation spans Gloria's rich reputation as a 'character' in her community and her renowned recipes, particularly some that required a mad dash to grab it first in the backyard! Freda recounts their family's traditions, the small-town love and support Gloria receives, and the importance of preserving family stories. This heartwarming discussion highlights the intersection of family, history, and the culinary legacies that define us in ways we often forget until we remember and share them.

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

00:13 Freda's Mother: Gloria's Story

01:39 Life in Lewisburg and Family History

02:33 The Old Cemetery and Community Support

03:35 Gloria's Character and Cooking Secrets

06:29 Traditional Recipes and Cooking Methods

11:38 Reflections on Family and Heritage

13:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Additional Links

• Instagram 📸
• FaceBook 👍

Surprising Ways to Give More Thanks and Create a Better Thanksgiving Together.

Join co-hosts Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely in this next episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, which focuses on Thanksgiving secrets, traditions, history, and more.

Ever wonder why presidents pardon turkeys? Or why cranberry sauce sparks family feuds? This Family Tree Food & Stories episode reveals the quirky history and hidden stories behind America's favorite feast day.

You'll learn the details behind:

• The real story behind presidential turkey pardons
• Why that cranberry sauce debate matters more than you think
• Ancient traditions that shaped modern celebrations
• Game-changing hosting tips from disaster-seasoned pros