Once upon a time, I had Vintage Recipe Thursdays on my blog. On Thursdays I would post a recipe from one of my vintage cookbooks, and I would cook it up with step by step instructions. I would also tweak the recipes a bit to fit today's kind of cooking - maybe some lower fat substitutions or some extra ingredients that I thought would make it a little better, but I would always include the original recipe the way it was first published.
And it was fun.
And I wound up cooking some yummy things that I and my family quite enjoyed.
But something was missing.
Firstly, it was hard to always have it ready to post each and every Thursday. Sometimes by the time I was able to cook, the lighting was not the way it should have been for pictures in my one window kitchen. Or I was missing ingredients because I did not properly plan ahead and write down what I needed before I went shopping at the market - like I know I should have done because my 40-something, post-kid brain does not have the memory it once had. And etc., etc.
And secondly, but most important of all, something didn't feel right.
Oh yes, I enjoyed searching through my old cookbooks with their colorful graphics and sometimes frightening recipes (prune whip with Jello, creamed salmon with beets). And I still loved my vintage cookbooks.
But it didn't feel personal and special enough. I didn't feel the love.
And now, by George, I think I've got it!
Very often at Estate Sales, I come across a treasured recipe box containing a lifetime collection of handwritten recipes on index cards, together with newspaper clippings and recipes cut out of magazines. I always happily take these home with me.
These are the recipes that touch me.
These are the recipes that I can picture being served at family gatherings and holidays with great love and affection.
These are what was missing.
I read through these treasure boxes with great respect. I would be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear or two when I read some of the names... "Lillian's Spritz Cookies", "Grandma Pat's Apple Strudel", "Aunt Flora's Cherry Mash". I think of the friends and family that contributed to this loving collection. And then I think of my own family and the loved ones who are no longer here.
There are personal notes included in the recipes... "Don't over mix!", "Make sure flour is unsifted", "This is Dad's favorite".
How could I not love these? This is the "special" I was looking for.
So... two things. Vintage Recipe Thursday is officially retired. I will not put the pressure of promising a recipe every Thursday if I cannot deliver. There, that makes life easier, doesn't it?
AND, the recipes I share and cook will be from my loving collection of handwritten recipes.
So much sweeter, I think.
Starting soon, I will have a new feature on my blog...
Vintage Handwritten Recipes from the Heart
And I will post them every few weeks or so, or maybe even every week when I am able. I'll cook them up and share it step by step.
Look for the first one in a few weeks!!
Oh, and I cannot leave without sharing a little spring dreaming from Ollie...
I always tell him he wins the Sweet Face Award.
Happy Day Friends!
XO Helena
