Throughout a number of years, I have been putting together some favorite recipes to pass on to my family. Finally, about three years ago, I got the idea for a Memory-Cook Book, and decided to round up all the things I had written, plus some new memories and recipes and get it ready by Christmas. That was about the middle of October. (I was quicker then.)
I made it, though, even to finding family photos in black & white of many of our doings and celebrations. Each chapter features one of the best. I have to admit, son Phil helped a lot there, sizing and storing the pics for me to insert into the script. I hope I am not taking too big a chance, presenting family pictures in an open forum, but they are a part of the mystique of 'Family' and while most are gone, they will forever remain in my memories and heart.
Anyway, I had 10 copies of the book printed at Kinko, and put each page into a clear sleeve, back to back in book form, which I inserted into a binder. The chapters lead us through the seasons of the year and the years of my experiences growing up in a large family of Italian background. It makes a very nice coffee table book, AND it moves into the kitchen for the times when the memory of a recipe needs a nudge. 8-)
That Christmas Eve we all sat around our fire and took turns reading a chapter from our own personal books. It was much fun, and a bit tearful, too. I am especially happy that we did that, because my 88 year-old Uncle Mike (the one who survived Aunt Lee's Scalloped Potatoes) passed away this past January. He, especially, enjoyed all the memories. Even nicer was the fact that many of his fondest dishes and memories---of Christmas Eve Festa, were on my buffet that evening. Maybe there was a reason I got the 'urge' to build the book that October.
I hope you enjoy the chapters as they come up, also.
I SMELL A MEMORY
Copyright 2003
| | Posted by GrannyJo at 12:00 AM - | |
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