We are entering the holiday season when food seems to take center stage. Some of the things we remember the most are recipes that originated from our grandmothers and great grandmothers. Memories are established and stories priceless. These treasured moments encourage us to gather and preserve the recipes and the stories that belong to them
Following are helpful tips and suggestions to gather you family's favorite recipes.
Following are helpful tips and suggestions to gather you family's favorite recipes.
The following are ideas to get you started:
- Start by sending a letter to your relatives, asking everyone to send back one or more of their 'specialties' by a particular date. In the letter, be sure to encourage the submission of recipes that have been passed down from earlier generations, along with a story or photo of the family member best known for the recipe. Ask for memories of times spent cooking and/or eating together, as well as photos of holiday and other family get-togethers if you think you want to add pictures to your book.
- A fill-in-the-blank recipe form can be useful here. Consider including the following: : Name of recipe, name of the person contributing recipe, name of the person who originate the recipe (if different from the submitter), history of the recipe, ingredients in the order in which they appear in the directions, cooking directions, prep time and cooking time, how many it serves, special cooking tips or suggestion. This may not be the final picture of the recipe. You may want all of the recipes have a similar layout.
- Ask those that can to send their recipes and stories by email. You're not only more likely to receive more submissions, but you'll also be able to cut and paste the recipes right into your final document.
- Set a deadline that allows them at least a few weeks, but not so far out that they forget.
- For those who do not use email, send a self stamped envelope, samples of the recipe format, and an encouraging note with your instructions.
Putting It All Together
1. Include a Cover page on the front (and back).
2.Table of Content - organizing into food categories
3. An Index in the back
4. If you have pictures and histories, add them.
They will be a welcomed and appreciated surprise.
Publishing Your Recipes
1. Create you own cookbook on your computer and send or share it through the internet.
2. Print off the pages of recipes. Organize them as you wish; 3. Make a cover; put in a folder, binder, or etc. 4. Put recipes on cards and organize them in a recipe card box. 5. Send or take your recipes to a printer who will print and bind. You will be offered a variety of presentations.
Every time someone goes to the collection of recipes you put together they will be grateful to you for your time.