The Christmas before I moved off to grad school my mother complied a family cookbook. Many of the recipes in this blog come from that cookbook and hold the tag “family cookbook.” Unless otherwise attributed recipes with the “family cookbook” tag are from her.
This is the preface to the first edition of the Family cookbook:
"Christmas 2004
John this cookbook took root when you asked me for some bread recipes. One thought led to another & suddenly I had a big project going. I thought this would be a way to preserve some family recipes. As you will see there are recipes from several family members.
Grandma Bell & Aunt Wilma Fleener have very few listed because neither really used a recipe. They were both wonderful cooks. Grandma Trombley has several wonderful recipes included in your book, her pies are so very good. I guess if I had to pick a favorite of hers, it would be the rhubarb pie. Yum, Yum!
I've collected many recipes over the years from friends & co workers, even patient families have shared theirs with me & as you know I get new ones from books, magazines & newspapers. Cooking is something that takes lots of practice. I recall what a time I had with pie dough, I always had to patch my pies. I was determined to make a pie that looked nice & didn't have a patch. After many attempts, I succeeded, so if you have trouble getting the results you want, keep trying and don't be afraid to experiment. As I said I have recipes from many people, I always think of them as I make the dishes. All the recipes have names as to whom they came from except mine, so no name, it's
me.
One of the greatest compliments to a cook in my opinion anyway, is for someone to ask for the recipe. A pitch in is great for getting new ones, nothing like a taste test so don't be shy about asking someone for a copy. I'm sure they will be delighted to give you one, although there are a few people who won't. It's their big secret. We all hope you'll enjoy using this book. I think no matter what country anyone is from food is the center of any get together. Good food shared with good friends & loving family is at the top of my list for enjoying myself.
Have fun cooking!
I love you, Mom"
