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Make your own family recipe book

What does it mean to leave a legacy? When people we love pass away, they leave us with memories, but they often leave us with tangible gifts, too. Those may come in the form of family photo albums, letters, or journals. If we’re lucky, they leave behind important traditions that stick with our families for generations.

Food has a way of bringing people together … during times of great happiness, celebration, or even sadness. On the landmark days in our lives – the ones that stick strongly in our memories – we can often recall the meals we shared and who we shared them with. And many of us can remember the special dishes our parents or grandparents prepared for us. In my family, it was Grandma’s bread rolls that signified togetherness and warmth. We could smell them baking on Christmas morning, and we’d slather them with butter and strawberry jam before opening presents. My first memory in the kitchen was standing on a stool at Grandma’s side, watching as she pulled perfectly uniform balls of dough through her fingers, and attempting to copy her technique with my own untrained hands. Still, today, long since my grandmother has passed away, baking bread is my small way of filling my home with comfort and love. I look to her techniques as I learn new recipes and try to perfect old ones. Always, when I bake bread, I think about her, and I imagine myself as a child, standing on a stool and breathing in the importance of that moment.

The history of recipes in my family contributes to occasions big and small. When we make the same oatmeal cookie recipe we’ve been making forever, we talk about how I prefer them with only chocolate chips, Mom and Dad prefer them with chocolate chips and raisins, and my aunt prefers only raisins. (She once told us she doesn’t like that she can’t tell, by sight, the difference between the raisins and the chocolate chips.) When we make spaghetti sauce (an old “recipe” which includes almost no exact measurements), we talk about how different members of our family have adapted the sugar content over the years. New traditions have formed over time, as well – traditions that I’ll pass down to my children someday. Our favorite gingerbread cookie recipe is reserved for the day after Thanksgiving. Our meatless barbecue sandwich recipe is best served on football game days. And individual homemade pizzas are the perfect activity for bringing a new boyfriend or girlfriend home for the first time.

The importance of recording and remembering these recipes can be enormous in creating a lasting legacy for the people we love. Now, at the beginning of a time of year when food is at the center of practically all we do, we recommend starting to collect and share your family’s most important food memories. This can be an easy or difficult task, depending upon the records that already exist within your family. In mine, we were lucky that most of our favorite recipes had already been recorded. Some of them, like the spaghetti sauce, were rather vague, and we’ve worked together to determine measurements on our own. All we needed to do was make a detailed list, organize the recipes, and compile them. My mom made my siblings and me the most incredible Christmas gift when she pulled all of our family recipes into a single-bound book with space for future additions. In other families, the best chefs among you may not keep detailed notes about the dishes they make. In these cases, your interviewing skills will become most useful. Ask your family member if he or she would be willing to attempt to record a detailed recipe for you, or even watch the next time they make the dish and record the recipe yourself. It might take some work, but chances are the results will be worth the effort for you and your family.

If you’re collecting recipes into a book as my mom did, you can find resources for getting started at the following links. These make wonderful gifts that will be treasured for years to come.

  • Making a cookbook using Microsoft Word – This Instructables tutorial walks you through how to format and organize a recipe book without special software.
  • How to update old recipes – Older recipes sometimes contain ingredients or processes that are rarely used in modern kitchens. This blog post contains some great tips for using old recipes today.

We recommend also saving a digital version of your collection in case the hard copies are lost or destroyed. (Any regular cook has spilled sauce on or burned the pages of at least one recipe book in the past.) My mom turned each recipe into a file that was uploaded to an online sharing space. Now everybody in my family can access all of our recipes even when we're not at home.

Finally, while there’s certainly something to be said for updating old recipes to make them novice-friendly, there’s also something to be said for paying homage to the originals: the old stained notecards on which Grandma’s beautiful penmanship lists all ingredients in “pinches” and “scoops.” Scanning and digitizing these mementos in the same way you would old photos and printing or saving them will ensure that the character that accompanied the recipe isn’t lost forever.

Navigating the Holidays After Losing a Loved One

December 9, 2024
The holiday season, with its sparkling lights, festive music, and endless gatherings, can feel overwhelming when you're grieving the loss of a loved one. While others may be celebrating, you might find yourself wrestling with emotions that make the season feel less joyful and more like a reminder of your loss. It’s okay to feel this way. Grief doesn’t have a timetable, and the holidays can amplify the ache of absence. However, with intentionality and self-compassion, you can navigate this time of year in a way that honors your feelings and your loved one’s memory. Acknowledge Your Feelings Grief doesn’t follow a straight path. Some days might feel manageable, while others bring tears when you least expect it. Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises—sadness, anger, guilt, or even moments of joy. Suppressing emotions to meet holiday expectations only adds to the weight of your loss. A simple step like journaling your thoughts or confiding in a trusted friend can help you process these emotions. Set Boundaries The holiday calendar can quickly fill up with parties, family gatherings, and other events. It’s okay to say no. If an invitation feels overwhelming, let others know you need time for yourself. Your emotional well-being comes first, and true friends and family will understand your need for space. Honor Your Loved One’s Memory Creating a tradition that keeps your loved one’s spirit alive can bring comfort and connection. This could be lighting a candle in their honor, cooking their favorite dish, or making a donation in their name. Sharing memories with family and friends can transform grief into a sense of togetherness and love. Simplify the Holidays If the thought of decorating, shopping, or hosting feels like too much, simplify. Focus on the aspects of the holiday that bring you peace. Maybe that means watching a favorite movie, enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, or skipping the usual traditions altogether. Redefining the season on your own terms can help alleviate pressure. Lean on Your Support System You don’t have to navigate this season alone. Reach out to those who care about you, whether it’s friends, family, or a grief support group. Even a simple phone call or coffee date can provide a sense of connection and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. Practice Self-Compassion Be kind to yourself. Grief is hard work, and the holiday season can magnify its challenges. Allow yourself moments of rest and reflection. If you find joy creeping in—whether it’s a shared laugh or a heartfelt memory—embrace it without guilt. Your loved one wouldn’t want you to carry the burden of sadness alone. Seek Professional Help if Needed Sometimes grief can feel too heavy to carry on your own. There’s no shame in seeking help from a counselor or therapist, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. They can offer coping strategies and a safe space to express your feelings. Getting through the holidays after losing a loved one is no easy task, but it is possible. By honoring your emotions, setting boundaries, and embracing the memory of your loved one, you can find a way to navigate the season. This time of year may look different than it once did, but it can still hold moments of meaning and comfort. You are not alone, and it’s okay to create a holiday season that works for you. Take it one day at a time, and know that the love you shared with your loved one remains with you, always.

Navigating Thanksgiving After Loss: Finding Peace in Gratitude Through Grief

November 18, 2024
Thanksgiving can be challenging when you’re grieving. A holiday centered on gratitude, family gatherings, and celebration can seem daunting when someone close to you is no longer there. The traditions that used to bring warmth might now feel empty, and feelings of sadness, anger, or confusion may overshadow gratitude. But in times of loss, Thanksgiving can also offer a unique opportunity to remember, honor, and slowly begin healing. Here are some gentle ways to approach Thanksgiving after losing a loved one, allowing space for both grief and gratitude.  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s okay if you’re not feeling grateful or festive this Thanksgiving. Loss can bring waves of complex emotions, and it’s essential to honor these feelings without judgment. Grief isn’t linear; it shows up in unexpected ways and doesn’t always align with holiday expectations. Allow yourself to feel however you need to, whether it’s sadness, anger, or even numbness. Give yourself permission to experience Thanksgiving differently this year. 2. Create Space for Remembrance Thanksgiving can be a beautiful opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory. Consider setting a place at the table for them, lighting a candle, or making their favorite dish. Invite others to share stories about your loved one, reflecting on the joy they brought to your lives. By creating space for their memory, you’re not only honoring them but also integrating their presence into your traditions. 3. Embrace New Traditions After a loss, it can be painful to follow the same rituals and traditions. Instead, try exploring new traditions that feel right for you. Maybe this Thanksgiving, you decide to spend time in nature, volunteer at a shelter, or have a smaller, quieter meal with close friends or family. New traditions don’t erase the old ones—they’re ways to adapt to your current emotional landscape and honor your needs during this time. 4. Connect with Others Who Understand Grieving can often feel isolating, especially during a holiday centered around togetherness. If you have friends or family who are also experiencing loss, reach out and connect with them. If that’s not possible, consider looking into local support groups or online communities where people share similar experiences. Knowing you’re not alone in your grief can be comforting, and the shared understanding can bring a sense of community that’s especially healing during the holidays. 5. Focus on Small Moments of Gratitude Gratitude may feel difficult or even impossible to access when grieving, but it doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or feelings. Instead, focus on small, quiet moments that offer peace or comfort, such as a beautiful sunset, the warmth of a cozy blanket, or a kind word from a friend. These small things can provide a gentle reminder that joy can still coexist with sorrow. 6. Give Yourself Permission to Skip or Scale Back the Celebration You might feel pressured to put on a brave face or participate fully in Thanksgiving traditions, but it’s okay if that’s not where you’re at this year. Give yourself permission to set boundaries and skip or scale back on what feels overwhelming. Grief doesn’t follow a holiday schedule, and it’s okay to take a step back to care for yourself. Loved ones will understand if you need a little more space or choose to spend the holiday differently. If Thanksgiving feels especially hard this year, remember you’re not alone. Grief is a testament to love, and by finding ways to celebrate, you’re honoring the love that still lives on within you. May this Thanksgiving bring you moments of comfort, the warmth of cherished memories, and the quiet understanding that healing is a journey you don’t have to walk alone.

Exploring Different Types of Grief Support and Finding Local Resources

November 6, 2024
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Exploring Cemetery Options for Cremation

November 6, 2024
Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for handling a loved one's remains. Its flexibility, lower cost, and eco-friendly nature appeal to many people. However, deciding on cremation is only the first step. A common question that follows is, "What are the cemetery options for cremated remains?" Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one, it’s essential to understand the various options available. Here’s a guide to help you explore the different cemetery options for cremation: Columbarium Niches A columbarium is a structure designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. It is often located within cemeteries or churches. These structures typically have designated niches where urns are stored. Families can choose from a variety of niche options, including single, companion (for two urns), or family-sized niches. Why Choose This Option? Allows family members to visit a specific place. Niches can be personalized with plaques or engravings. A good option for those seeking a permanent, above-ground resting place. Cremation Gardens Many cemeteries now offer dedicated cremation gardens, beautifully landscaped areas where cremated remains can be interred. These gardens often have various options such as individual plots, communal scattering areas, or urn vaults. Why Choose This Option? These gardens provide a serene and natural setting. Aesthetic appeal for those who prefer being surrounded by nature. Multiple memorialization options available (plaques, markers, etc.). Urn Burial (In-Ground Burial) For families who prefer a more traditional approach, cremated remains can be buried in the ground, similar to casket burials. Urn burials usually take place in designated cremation sections of a cemetery, and many cemeteries offer urn vaults to protect the urn. Why Choose This Option? Allows for a traditional cemetery plot and grave marker. Offers the permanence and tradition of an in-ground burial with a smaller environmental footprint. Family members can easily visit and tend to the gravesite. Scattering Ceremony If your loved one requested their remains be scattered in a specific location, you always have the option to host a scattering ceremony with your loved ones. Why choose this option? Can be of importance to the deceased and become a location you and your family can visit. Very personal experience. Lowest cost option. Cremation offers a wide range of cemetery options that allow families to memorialize their loved ones in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a columbarium niche, a peaceful cremation garden, or an eco-friendly green burial, there are options for every preference and budget. When making this decision, consider what feels most meaningful to you and your family, keeping in mind the lasting tribute you want to leave for future generations.
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