“Memories…the food of our childhood; food that meant love.” ~ Susan Branch
I’d like to think that I grew up grateful for what I had. Grandmothers and a mama who loved to make wonderful food to fill our tummies. Special dishes made for holidays. If I didn’t show my gratitude then, I sure hope it is recognized now. Because it is a blessing to have all the very best family recipes in one place. All housed in a red and white checked cookbook. Written by Nana’s hand.
One very special recipe, in Mamaw’s handwriting, is used every Thanksgiving. It is copied and framed in my kitchen. Oh I can hear her saying, “Now, honey…”
Others are written down in Mama Ann’s beautiful script, on individual cards. I’ve secured them so I can refer to them often. When I was blessed with my sweet mother-in-love, her special recipes were blended right into that cookbook too.
Plus those I’ve written down from aunts and other family members. It’s a heritage of good, basic meals. Special holiday treats. Smiles and traditions. Each loving recipe a part of our lives.
Not long ago I found the same style of cookbook for my girls. Beautifully illustrated by Susan Branch. Organized by category. I’ve started one for each of my girls.
I figure if I make an entry in their cookbooks, each time I make a recipe entry here on Hodgepodge, that they will hold a treasure too.
But I haven’t forgotten you, dear reader. With the goal of finding your favorites, I’ve been working on a new Hodgepodge recipe index. This way you can click around based on category, meal, ingredient.
Need a dessert? Look under By Type. (Jessica’s Candy Bar Brownies, pictured above).
Wonder where Nana or Mama Ann’s recipes are? Check By Author.
Of course I do have some newer influences in my cooking life which I am most grateful for as well. All the $5 Dinner recipes we’ve tried as well as those I’ve contributed can be found with the $5 Dinners tag.
The SunButter love? As easy as a click. All that Cooking Fun? See here.
Click over and take a look. Let me know if you have a hard time finding anything. I’ll flip through and point you to a favorite.
- The Recipe Index is filed under Homecooking/Recipe Index
Counting the gifts of passing down recipes and good ol’ home cooking, plus the every day…
- a Saturday day trip full of family fun. Gorgeous fall leaves!
- three deer gracefully hopping across the road in front of us on the way to church
- a whole Sunday afternoon full of family, lots of cousin time and baby chuckles
- watching Middle Girl perform with a bunch of puppets in big church
- Eldest Girl practicing driving with her Daddy
- apple pies, toasty fires and all things fall
-Gifts 2757-2771.
He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
About Hodgepodgemom
What a lovely gift you will be giving your girls.
Thank you, too, for sharing your wonderful recipes and the tidbits of memories connected to each one. I soak up that family heritage with love.
Phyllis – we truly are recipe-loving friends, aren’t we? You are amazing the way you teach through your tea times and meals. You celebrate every day.
…..Raising fine Southern women…we all are born to cook and know the importance of FOOD!! That’s how we show our love!
Forever,
Nana