Country Kitchen:
Food Memories in Community Cookbooks
By Mary Emma Allen
Often we're asked to participate in cookbook projects organized by our
church, a community organization, a nursing home, a literacy association,
or some other group as a fund raising project. When you participate in
these endeavors, you'll help your organization or cause, see your name
and recipe in print, and leave memories for your family.
Recently I realized I have food memories in several community cookbooks
in my collection. These books include recipes contributed by my mom, my
mother-in-law, my aunt and myself, along with friends of my childhood.
It was enjoyable to see our names and recipes in print when the cookbooks
were produced. However, now that my mom, aunt, and mother-in-law are no
longer living, I appreciate these cookbooks for the memories they evoke.
Mother's Church Cookbook
I remember my mom's excitement when she asked me for contributions to the
"1974 Poughquag Cookbook", compiled by members and friends of the church
she attended. I was living halfway across the country but responded to
her request with a recipe for Apple Cake.
Now as I browse through Mother's copy, well-used with stains and drops of
batter, I come across names of friends from the town (Poughquag, NY) of
my youth. A best friend's mother contributed recipes. She was a great
cook and meals at her home were fun times.
I see a recipe of my aunt's which brings back memories of visits to her
home and the family get-togethers we enjoyed there. Another lady was one
of my Sunday School teachers. Her Poppy Seed Cake topped the list of my
favorites at community suppers.
Parish Potpourri
My mother-in-law was thrilled when her favorite recipes appeared in the
cookbook compiled by her church called "Parish Potpourri." She knew of my
interest in food and cooking so gave me a copy as a Christmas gift that
year.
This, too, is a treasure because of Mum's recipes. Browsing through the
cookbook evokes memories of Mum's excitement at being published, stories
of her friends who contributed, and new recipes she tried from the
cookbook when we visited.
Nursing Home Collection
"Family Favorites Cookbook" brings back memories of my mom's days at the
nursing home. Although this could have been a sad time in our lives as
she journeyed through Alzheimer's, I have fond recollections of visits
with my grandchildren to bring my mother happiness.
For this cookbook, recipes were collected from residents, their families,
and the staff. Contributors' favorites and the stories accompanying them
leave a legacy for friends and future generations of family. I felt
honored when asked to write the introduction for this cookbook
If you have community cookbooks in which family members have contributed
recipes, stop a moment and write down the memories connected with them.
Save the cookbooks as part of your family heritage.
Try this SAUSAGE/MACARONI CASSEROLE - Cook one 8-oz. package elbow
macaroni in salted water about 8 minutes; drain well. Brown 1 pound bulk
sausage and drain off excess fat.
Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup green pepper strips in 2 tablespoons
sausage fat. (Or spray frying pan with spray butter.) Stir in 3
tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add 2 cups milk; cook over
low heat, stirring until mixture has thickened. Add 1/2 the sausage and 1
1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Combine this with the macaroni.
Pour into a greased casserole. Top with remaining sausage and 1/2 cup
cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 25 minutes, until heated through and
top has browned.
Article (C) 2004 Mary Emma Allen
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen has been writing her "Cooking Column" for newspapers
and online publications for 30 years and
has compiled a family cookbook. She’s currently compiling a
cookbook/story book,
"Tales From a Country Kitchen." Visit her web site for more cooking
articles. Contact her at me.allen@juno.com
