Certain foods may remind us of Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, or goody baskets received at Christmas time. Most of us associate certain foods with particular events, people or traditions. Foods that remind us of home or family are often a comfort.
Many of us have family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Memories and stories are often lost from one generation to the next. Recipe scrapbooks not only preserve the recipe itself, but also the tips and heart-felt stories that accompany them.
Gathering Recipes
Gathering the recipes and memories from family members is the biggest task in creating a heritage recipe album. Send out a letter or email asking them for several of their favorite family recipes. Have them include thoughts and memories about each recipe.
Include a list of questions to get the information you would like for each recipe. You may want to note that the person shouldn’t feel obligated to answer every question for each recipe. Hopefully some will spark some great memories. Ask them to include a photo of an occasion where that recipe was served. Here are some possible questions:
- Whose recipe is this?
- Who in your family makes this most often, or is most strongly associated with this recipe?
- Where did the recipe come from?
- Whose favorite recipe is this and why?
- Are there any memorable stories associated with this recipe?
- Are there any special tips or suggestions in preparing this recipe?
- Is there a special secret ingredient for this recipe?
- Is there a certain time of year your family enjoys this recipe?
- Was this recipe served at a memorable occasion or event?
Scrapbook Layout Suggestions
Now that you have gathered all your recipes and information, it’s time to start the album. Here are a few things to consider before you start laying out pages.
- Choose your album size and type
- Make a list of recipe categories you want to include
- Divide the recipes into the proper categories
- Choose a color, pattern or some way to distinguish each category
You are ready to begin your recipe album. Some suggested pages may include:
- Title page – This may include the name of the family the recipes are from.
- Dedication page – This is a great place to describe the person or family and why the album was created.
- Table of contents – List each category of food included in the book, ei:Entrees, side dishes, salads and desserts.
- Subtitle page – List each recipe included in that category.
- Recipe page – For larger albums (12 X 12) a single page per recipe may work. For smaller albums (8 X 8) a two page spread may work better.
- Use photo corners to attach recipe card
- Include a photo of people or event where recipe was served
- Include information from questions sent out
Scrapbooking recipes is a fun creative way to preserve many treasured family traditions. A digital album is a great option that would allow those traditions to be shared with everyone in the family.
The Author
Melanie Hansen