5 Reasons to Design a Family Cookbook

First, I lost one of my favorites aunts, my mother’s sister, a few years ago.  As a result, I wanted to do a tribute in her honor.  So, I put together a cook book filled with recipes from family, friends, and co-workers.  I’m so happy with how it turned out.  As a result, I wanted to share a few tips on designing family cookbooks. 

This particular cover called to me, so I choose it for the book. It reminded me of the little church that my family built years ago.  I had the front and back cover laminated to preserve it from any spills, so the photo is a little shiny.  Sorry about that.

Next, I added a section of my favorite family quotes to the family cookbook.  In addition, there are four sections which included Appetizers, Beverages & Dips, Main Dishes and Sides, and Desserts.  I gathered approximately 200 recipes from family, friends, and co-workers to include.  It also includes a few of my aunt’s recipes, so the book is even more special to me.

In 2019, Mother 2 Mother will be sharing a few recipes from this book.  I grew up on many of them, and I really enjoy making them now.  They bring back so many memories.

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The company that I worked with, G & R Publishing, was great. They added a section filled with craft ideas for kids. I will also be sharing some of the crafts from the family cookbook in future posts as well.  G & R provided a template, which made inputting the recipe a breeze.  They also did the formatting of the book.

Next, my family’s church is pictured on the back of the book.  It was built around 1848 by my great, great, great, grandfather, who was a freed slave.  It also includes one of my favorite bible versus.  Additionally, this church was used as a school and for community meetings.  I am proud to say, that it still stands.  My grandparents and other ancestors are buried in the cemetery on the grounds of the church.

If you ever want to do a tribute to a family member or friend, consider putting together a family cookbook.  Here’s 5 reasons to design one:

• Celebrate life with good food, family, and friends.
• Family cookbooks are a great gift idea, perfect for a giveaway, fundraiser or goodie bag. 
• Family recipes bring a bite of nostalgia to the kitchen. 
• It’s a great way to preserve family recipes. 
• Store family love in your heart with good food from your ancestors.  

Last, I put my foot into it as the saying goes when I’m cooking.  But, I also put my heart into my dishes. This is a perfect way to remember those who are no longer with us, they will always be in our hearts.  Finally, it’s also a great way to bring family to the table, and get a good conversation going about your childhood.  I hope you found our tips on designing family cookbooks helpful.