Cookbooks and Memories

I had to look up a recipe today for a Mexican dip. Looked through several..."Now That You Have Left Home," "6 Ingredient," and so many others. I found it in a cookbook by Mr. Food entitled "Mr. Food Cooks Like Momma." It's an easy recipe to follow and it seems to be a big hit at parties.

While I was leafing through the cookbooks, a myriad of memories came flowing through my mind. With each passing food stained page, I found myself looking back over the past 16 years.

I will be married 16 years to the absolute love of my life this Friday. Most of my cookbooks came from bridal showers or as wedding gifts. Simple cookbooks. Uncomplicated directions. Each with their own story, the cookbooks became such a big part of my life those early years of our marriage.

I remember wanting to make a romantic dinner for my new husband. I anxiously found the recipe and wrote down each ingredient that I would need. I believe it was stuffed shells. I believe they were a success.

Growing up he loved Ham Loaf. Found it. Baked it. Marked the page!

Funeral food for my new church? Lasagna. Found in my "Mr. Food Cooks Pasta!"

First Thanksgiving dinner? Yep, found in the pages of my books.

I stayed away from the dessert section of the books knowing that baking was too much like math and I really was never good at math!

My cookbooks also became my nighttime reading while I was pregnant with both of my children. I would wake in the middle of the night and quietly make my way to the couch and read new recipes. Earmarking the ones that I thought Ryan would like. While the baby kicked, I would write down each book and recipe. I don't think I made most of the ones that I planned but my cookbooks kept me company while the little one growing inside of me got its exercise!

I found out later in my life that reading cookbooks while pregnant was actually passed down from my grandmother to my mom and then to me! All of the ladies in my family found peace at night sampling new cuisine ideas from all around the world. It's a crazy connection with the past but one that I hope to pass down to my daughter, too.

The dip has been made and eaten. It was wonderful to spend time revisiting the recipe pages from my past. I think that I will ask my husband for a new cookbook this year as my anniversary gift and maybe, just maybe, I'll head into the dessert section!