All Church Cookbook is Simmering On the Stove

“First you make a roux” is the way many Cajun and Creole one-pot main dishes start. And there is no further explanation of making a roux. Making roux and all the dishes that start with one is a hand-me-down tradition.

Passing down recipes from one generation to the next is a hand-me down tradition that occurs in all cultures. This ritual binds one family member to the next. It forms a connection; links the past to the present and then to the future.

Community is formed. And community matters.

This is one reason why Women’s Ministry is putting together an all church cookbook. We are collecting more than instructional how-to’s on making certain foods. So there are three more reasons we are putting together this ccokbook.

We are collecting memories: “This pork chop casserole was one my grandma always made when we visited because my dad thoroughly enjoyed eating it. I, however, was fed up and once asked, “Grandma, is this all you know how to cook?”

We are remembering those who have passed on: “While working in the nursery one morning, Betty and I started talking about recipes using persimmons. She told me that every Christmas she sent persimmon cookies to her family because it was the most requested one. Betty brought in the recipe for me to try and I loved it… The best part is having the handwritten recipe card from her to cherish.”

We are sharing the best recipes from each family: “Sometimes when I look at a new cookbook, I’m not sure what will turn out well. But when I look at recipes in a cookbook like this, I know my kids will eat it.”

Please submit all recipes by August 15, 2006. We want to have the books back in time to buy as Christmas gifts.

Pick up a hard copy form at the Secret Sister bookcase at church or email cncwomensministry@yahoo.com for an electronic form. You can also call Marsha Thompson if you have any questions.

Please share with me other ideas as to why collecting recipes for an all church cookbook is a good idea.

Well, I’m going back to the stove to do some more work on the cookbook.