Friday, November 14, 2008

One of the best Christmas presents...

I ever received was from my sister, Christy. After graduating college she made me this recipe book as I prepared to move out on my own. As you can see by the stains, I have used it A LOT over the course of the past 10 years.


I am thankful for this recipe book today. Just this past week the ribbon that was glued to the front of it fell off. And I was sad. This book is something that I treasure, not only because my sister made it for me but because it holds (secret!) family recipes that have been passed down for several generations. On the first page of the book, Christy wrote me a little note that says, "no matter what people say, I know you will be a wonderful cook!" I guess at the time there was some speculation on whether I could cook something other than Ramen noodles.

Most of the recipes are ones that I have almost learned by heart--the Corn Souffle recipe my grandmother always made at Thanksgiving. The Buckeye recipe we make at Christmas (it gets doubled every year so that we have enough to get us through March!) and the Poppyseed Chicken recipe that is on the monthly rotation of menus in both of our houses. Along with these, Christy included recipes that she used to make for her children when they were small; simple recipes that were easy to throw together when time was limited. Everything from drink recipes, main dishes, vegetables, pasta, breads and desserts---they are all in there!

I too have started a collection of "my favorites" that I hope to pass along to my daughter when it is time. I'm sure by then the recipe book will have doubled in size, but what a treasure to share with her!

PS. This idea would make a great gift if you have family recipes to pass along to someone who is getting married soon or moving out on their own. She printed the recipes on card stock and then decorated it with embossed stamps of different designs. She used the rings to bind the book together.

7 comments:

Christy said...

You are so sweet! I am glad that you have enjoyed it so much over the years. Aren't we fortunate to have inherited the love of cooking and baking!

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is a great gift..I received one at my wedding and it is jammed pack with recipes! How fun!
-sandy toes

{darlene} said...

that really is a great idea!

Empty Nest Full Life said...

I wish I had one of those filled with my grandmothers recipes. What a great gift! Jackie

Kristen said...

What a great gift! I love handmade gifts - especially when they have to do w/ cooking! ;)

One of my most treasured cookbooks is my Grandmother's Betty Crocker Cookbook from 1942.
Grandma passed away when I was in the 6th grade... she was so dear to me. I love that I have the cookbook - it has her handwriting next to recipes she liked and didn't like!

Joy Junktion said...

How interesting! I have already started a book I plan on giving to my mom on Christmas. All of her family recipes put in one place. I am so excited.
I'm glad it has meant so much to you ~ gives me hope for my moms.
Cindy

Joanna said...

I just ran across your blog and love it! I am adding it to my sidebar. *smiles*

What a lovely gift from your sister. I made my niece a recipe book full of family recipes and ones that I use as well.

This is such a great gift!