At Grandmother's Table: A Book Review

By Brenda Hyde

Over the years one of my favorite things to do has been searching out cookbooks at thrift stores, auctions and garage sales. Though I am always excited at finding a sale with what appears to be a grandmother's collection cookbooks, I am also a little sad that the family isn't passing these down to a younger generation. I think the cookbooks, the handwritten recipes hidden in the pages and the notes from the owner all tell a story. That is why At Grandmother's Table is such a beautiful and treasured find!

Ellen Perry Berkeley has created a cookbook with a soul. She has gathered together pieces written by women about their grandmothers and presented us with one or more family recipes for each person. In the introduction we are encouraged to use the recipes with freedom, adapting them to our own family's tastes. The granddaughters' reflections on their grandmothers are honest and detailed. The writings bring the recipes to life, and help us to imagine each woman cooking in her kitchen.

Most of all, At Grandmother's Table is inspiring. It inspires us to remember our own grandmothers, and to look into the future and picture ourselves standing along side our grandchildren, cooking our favorite dishes, while teaching them about family life. The book has two content sections; one for each Grandmother and one for the recipes which is divided by soups, salads, breads, side dishes, main dishes and desserts. It also has a detailed index in the back of the book. The recipes are eclectic in nature because of the varied backgrounds of the women. There is everything from Cinnamon Rolls to Deep Fried Lamb Pockets (Tcheburiki). At Grandmother's Table is a book to treasure, to learn by, and to enjoy as we learn of family traditions, cooking and life.

Order Information

Amazon carries At Grandmother's Table. Click Here for the ordering information. Please let us know if you have any question about the book and we will be happy to answer before you order.