Family Recipe Ideas: Create A Family Cookbook!

Earlier this month, I mentioned that our family has many family traditions that have been in our family for generations. One of them, a family camping trip to Kings Canyon Sequoia National park, is happening next month and I plan to take our kids for the first time. But other traditions aren’t always things that we do – sometimes they are things that we give each other, like family recipes.

When our family gets together, food is always involved. Because our family is so big, it’s usually potluck style. The great thing about that is that I stumble across some amazing recipes like my Texas Caviar, which came from my Aunt and my Buffalo Chicken Dip, which my sister created, or even my Jalapeno Creamed Corn…this one came from my brother’s mother-in-law!

Some recipes might not be served very often, but are still coveted. My grandmother passed away a couple of years ago, but I still have her handwritten recipe for her Cheesecake, a dessert that was my favorite as a kid. She gave me the recipe when I was in my early 20′s and now I count as one of my most prized recipes.

I also have handwritten recipes from my husband’s mom, who passed away a year after we were married. These recipes remind him of his mom and  his childhood, and remind us both of how special and important food can be.

Another favorite recipe comes from my mom. At my bridal shower, guests were asked to bring a recipe card with their favorite recipe written on it. My mom, who doesn’t like to cook at all, cake me her recipe for cake:But not all family recipes come from others…I actually have an Upside Down Pumpkin Cake that is requested at every Thanksgiving, and that I have at least two people ask me for the recipe every time I make it. My aunts always say “When we create our family cookbook, this one has to go in there”!

That’s right, we have so many family recipes that are special to us all that we are considering creating a family cookbook to give out at Christmas. Appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts that will remind us all of family gatherings and special occasions. This project is something I’ve been looking forward to for years, and I am excited to be part of creating it.

What special traditions are carried out in your family’s kitchen? Make sure to check out Chiquita Mom Vanessa’s memories of her grandmother’s kitchen.