Grandma’s cooking was the best! Those mouth-watering recipes we all loved delighted the taste buds and lit up conversation at the table.
Many of us are fortunate enough to have a family cherished recipe book or some handwritten recipe cards passed down from generation to generation by a beloved relative or friend. I got my grandmother Hawes’ recipes in her own cursive handwriting. These little pieces of paper are priceless. My wish is to be able to preserve them and to share those fading papers for future generations.
In an attempt to share my treasures, I make digital copies of every recipe. By scanning each recipe card or paper, I can save it to my computer, then copy the writing onto a document.
Each original recipe is placed in an acid-free page protector to prevent further damage. Pencil marks on the cards have faded across the year only are still legible. The page protector is then placed in an acid-free binder for preservation.
There are many gift ideas available That offer a service to personalize items with your family recipe. Saving and sharing those recipes in grandma’s handwriting will be a memory for many years to come. Simple enough, but so worth it when we remember the smells and flavors that came out of Grandma’s kitchen.
As we go about our daily lives, the smell or taste of something unexpected calls a memory.. A few years ago, my husband and I stopped at our local grocery store to buy a soda and snack before starting our Saturday morning ritual of garage sale. I chose an iced chocolate donut for this certain morning, and once I got out of the store, I took a bite. The chocolate flavor of the donut and frosting recalled my Grandma Hawes’ Wartime Devil’s Food Cake. This surprise challenged me to take another bite, but this time I savored the flavors of the deep chocolate and smooth frosting as I thought of Grandma in the kitchen baking her cake. The taste of those chocolate donuts allowed me to remember some precious times with my Grandmother†
In today’s world, recipes are searched on Google, printed, and then tucked into a kitchen drawer or recipe folder. We don’t often take the time to write down the ingredients and directions to our favorite recipes. Instead, we type them out to share with friends and family.
My challenge to you is: Find some decorative paper or recipe cards. Take the time to write your prescription in your handwriting. Include a photo of the food you made. You can even share a story or two about the origin of the recipe.
You may be continuing the family tradition through food, and this recipe will allow others to do the same. And years later, when someone takes a bite of a favorite food, they’ll probably remember you.
