Sonic Supper!

About 20 years ago one of my aunts diligently collected recipes from various family members and friends and created a cookbook. It wasn’t very sophisticated, there were no photographs or anecdotes and it was typed and photocopied on loose leaf paper. I think we each provided a binder for our individual copy. I still use some of those delicious recipes and every time I browse through that binder it brings back memories of special family celebrations, casual backyard barbeques, and picnics in the park. Of course the most treasured of those memories are of the cooks themselves, because cooking good food is an important tradition in our family.

What is the attraction of project like a family cookbook? The obvious purpose is to preserve some of the best of family recipes that have handed down through generations. Many of us have recipes written on scraps of paper, faded and splotched, and tucked away in various places, hard to find when we want them. Or, we’ve lost grandmother’s recipe for lemon loaf or chocolate cake and can’t duplicate it exactly.

Also, a cookbook provides us with the structure around which to record family memories and history. Recipes can be accompanied by photographs of celebrations and family gatherings and of the contributors. Maybe there are funny stories to tell, or maybe the book expands to include genealogical information. When we look at recipes of several generations of our family, we see a chronicle of how the food we eat changes over time; as well as which recipes continue to be a part of our ongoing traditions and customs.

Creating a family cookbook is now much easier with the resources available on the internet. There is software for formatting and organizing recipes; online recipe storage systems; and websites with all the tools you need to create a memorable family cookbook.

There are a few key elements that make the process of creating a family cookbook easier.

•It is probably a good idea to choose one family member to be the overall editor; however, it is less stressful if a couple of other people will also review the recipes and share in the decision making.

•Decide whether the cookbook will be printed in hard copy or available only as an e-book. My preference is for a bound and printed book because there is more scope for photos and format variations; and because it has more permanence.

•Choose an organizational structure for your cookbook. You could organize by category/course: Appetizers, Soup, Salad, Entrees, Desserts. Or, by food groups such as: Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Vegetables, Eggs and Cheese, Breads, etc. Other options include: by family or individual; or by celebration (Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.).

•Have a template for people to use when submitting their recipes by email; this will make it easier for them and for the organizing and formatting process. Make sure you ask for relevant stories and photos as well.

•There are some very useful resources on the internet to help you produce your family cookbook. A complete package includes different design templates to choose from; and printing options for as few as 25 copies. Visit the SuperCookbooks.com website for more information.

By: Pat Lockhart

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