quick clicks

recipes today articles

recipes today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Family Cookbooks

Preserve Those Treasured Recipes

By Donna Smith

You can use the paper ones with the pockets on the side (the pockets are great for holding extra recipes) or use the hardcover plastic kind. Either way, you will need to add your special touch and create a wonderful and original cover for your cookbook. "I used the plastic type of binder, so we couldn't draw on the front," says Melissa Stevens. "I glued on lace and ribbons and got a friend of mine to write the title of the cookbook in calligraphy. It came out wonderful!"

Family cookbooks make wonderful gifts. T.J. is making a family cookbook for her brother and his fiance as a wedding gift. "I'm planning to send out a form sheet asking for recipes, especially those that have a family history or story to go with them," she says. "I'm going to ask everyone to try to keep it a surprise."

Don't be surprised if making the cookbook rubs off on others, especially kids. Nothing will make children want to cook as much as having their own cookbook. "I am having my kids start their own cookbooks right now," says Elaine Riley. "This is easily fitting into their 4-H cooking, and Elizabeth actually earned a blue ribbon for her cookbook of favorite recipes this year."

When you're done with your one-of-a-kind family cookbook, you'll have a wonderful book to pass down from generation to generation. Make copies of it to share with your family, and don't forget to add to it throughout the years!