Family Traditions- Mom’s Cooking

Polish Mushroom Soup

I hear from people all the time looking for a lost recipe. The request always starts with “My Mom used to make….”. I see so many mentions online of recipes lost and never found. Made me think about what our recipes often mean to us and why we should treasure them more. For many of us certain foods are fond childhood memories sometimes part of holiday traditions, sometimes part of special events like birthdays. We think the recipes, like our loved ones, will always be there. Sadly, that’s not the case.

Years ago I realized that my Mother was the only one who seemed to know all the family recipes. I asked her to sit down and get them all on paper. Actually, I told her to get them down before she became senile. Mom had a great sense of humor.

It took her about a year- she had to make them- while measuring ingredients. I took her recipes and turned them into a cookbook for family members. I made her 50 copies so she could hand them out to family and friends. She was delighted as were the recipients.

One of the problems with old family recipes is that they are often not written down- or perhaps, just a list of ingredients with no measurements. I love when I find a recipe that calls for a number 2 can or a moderately hot oven. Huh?

I encourage you to talk to family members and get those recipes down. Collect them and maybe even make your own family cookbook. Making Mom’s mushroom soup or duck fat bread isn’t the same as having here here, but it always brings a smile to my face knowing I honor her by continuing her traditions with food.

Duck Fat Bread