I love to bake and cook.
And REALLY love cookbooks (and cooking magazines).
Like I check them out from the library. Or park myself at bookstores to read through them looking for ideas. And have two on my nightstand right now- not exactly “can’t put them down novels”, but I like reading them.
I used to have a huge collection of cookbooks- most of them given to me or picked up from garage sales- they were loved. Some of the best recipes I have- were copied from a family or church cookbook. Real home cooks- using food I have in my pantry and can pronounce. I purged most of them when we did a kitchen remodel a few years ago in the name of storage space- but I loved them. I now follow dozens of food blogs- I don’t read them all or cook most of what I see- but I just love seeing the expression of love through good food. I get email newsletters everyday with food ideas- and am a member to a dozen or more online communities centered around recipes. You get the point- someone like recipes.
My mother was an amazing in the kitchen- she did not cut corners.
Butter- yes.
Fried- mostly.
Sweet tea- always.
She had a handful of recipes I wish I could make as well as she did- the very best being her yeast rolls.
She would make them as gifts because people loved them so much.
A few issues with learning her recipes:
#1 she passed away over 16 years ago
#2 she never wrote the recipe down (that we could find)
My older brother found an old school project a few years ago with an ingredient list- but without instructions. I started experimenting with the recipe in an attempt to duplicate it- but it’s not there, yet.
This last week we had the task of going through my father’s home.
He kept everything- lets just leave it at that for now.
And guess what we found:
That rusty old recipe box was my mom’s and we never knew where it had gone to. My sister and I were so excited. We waited for the ride home to actually go through it. And you can guess what we were hoping to find in it? The roll recipe.
Guess what it appears to be full of?
Clipped recipes from the back of boxes and only a few hand written recipes she collected over the years.
My sister and I do not remember most of them. And a few that looked promising, but didn’t jump out at the time.
Of course, she didn’t write all of her own recipes down. Mom just knew them.
But that card leaves me with some questions. It does not look like the ingredient list I have been working with for my Mom’s rolls- but there is a chance it could be THE recipe.
I haven’t tried it yet- but I think it is beautiful. With stains from lots of use. And I think it is her handwriting.
And even if it is not her infamous recipe- we are still thrilled to have found this box. That little box holds memories that go beyond the actual recipes inside it. Reminders of how much my mother showed her love through the food she prepared.
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I know so many good cooks- women who are amazing in and out of the kitchen. Many of them inspire me as a mother would- and they don’t even know it. I know some amazing guys too- who can throw down in the kitchen and on grill- (even a few who have gone to culinary school- I.AM.SO.JEALOUS.) I would love to go to Pastry School or cooking boot camp- just to go someday. I would settle for a cooking club- any takers?
I started thinking about recipes I want to perfect- to adapt as my own go to recipes.
I have a good start to some of these. And there are a few I have never attempted- but have always wondered if I could do them. Thought I would start a running list:
.:RECIPE BUCKET LIST:.
Elaine’s Yeast Rolls
Amazing Lasagna- I don’t love my current version
Red Sauce- no more jars?
Enchiladas- beef and chicken
Chicken tortilla soup
Grilling- like me at the grill- turning it on and everything
Cheesesteaks
Lemon Cream Cake
Cheesecake (still practicing Mama Joy’s recipe)
Marshmallows
Truffles- like hand dipping the way the pros do
Vinaigrettes- never tried- I’m a ranch dressing kinda girl
Salsa
Jam/Preserves
Pickles (and Fried Pickles)
Souffle
Croissants
Bagles
There are others too- always love attempting and trying new things.
If you have a good versions- send it my way. Makes them even better when there is a personal connection.
And if you think of something you’ve always wanted to learn- let me know. Might just change my list too.
