Writing Out the Old Home Recipes

Some of my grown children are asking me for our family recipes, so they can cook and bake in their own kitchens.  It would be very easy for me to write them out on index cards and ship them off in the mail.  But how much more fun would it be to make a little handmade booklet of family recipes, cooking hints, and little family remembrances to go with it?

I have some pretty green heavy stock paper. I can use this as a cover.  I will fold it in half, to make it resemble a little booklet. Inside will be plain white paper, folded as well.  I can staple this in the center to "bind" the book.

To have a little fun, I can title it something like, "Recipes from The White House,"  or "The Little Book of Cookery from The White House."  [One must find ways of enjoying one's name when the situation arises. - gentle smiles.]

I have 12 common dinner recipes, several lunches, and a few breakfasts.   To this, I will add some baking recipes, and economical snack ideas.  I will also write an estimate of how much each recipe will cost.

Yesterday, I had full charge of my kitchen. (In other words, I did all the work alone.)  I made my boys a nice lunch of homemade pizza.  I cleaned the kitchen throughout the day.  As the sun began to set, I asked one of them, "Will you be needing a baked good this evening?"  He didn't know what I meant by that (smiles).  So I translated, "Do you want me to bake something for you?" Well, of course He did!  I made peanut butter, chocolate chip muffins.  Then I told the boys I was off duty for the night and they were to have sandwiches or leftovers if they got hungry later.  I walked out of that very clean kitchen, with the dim lamplight shining on those delicious muffins.  . . These are the kinds of memories of home that my grown children miss.

I think it is more precious to take one's time creating things of lasting value that will be cherished.  My book of family cookery will be humbly made with humble recipes.   But it will take me a few weeks, as I sit by the window, in great-grandmother's rocking chair, and write out the history of our kitchen for the next generation.

Blessings
Mrs. White








For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 



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Industrious at Home

There is a lot of confusion about what goes on in an average home.   Modern families are distracted by television, home theaters, video games and the features of cell phones.  Sometimes, we are so busy with these types of entertainment, we forget what it is like to be industrious at home.

A day may start with opening drapes and shades. There might be a time of morning Bible reading - a little chapel in the quiet seclusion of home.   Next, some housework is started. Perhaps tidying up the rooms, starting laundry and then beginning a simple meal of breakfast to serve in a formal- sort- of- way at the kitchen table.  Do people still put salt and pepper or cream and sugar on the table, to share a meal with loved ones? Or does everyone grab food and run?

The mid morning hours are for general housekeeping. We clean the kitchen, dust, vacuum and straighten beds.  Once the house is in order, it may be time to sit and take a little break. Perhaps it is tea time? Or maybe time to chat and visit with the ones at home, while doing some knitting, embroidery, mending or sewing?

Lunch hour is like opening a little cafe for a time.  Some homemade food is prepared and lovingly served at the table.  We take a break from our home labors and join together for the noon meal. A prayer over the meal begins the time of fellowship. 

Before long, some may need a time of rest. Little ones are off to their naps after some time outdoors in the fresh air.  This break is helpful to prepare for the afternoon and coming evening.

Dinner is usually started in the early afternoon.  Some have helpers at home, while other homemakers do the work alone.  It is an exciting time - deciding what to make for the family's evening meal!

While food is baking in the oven, or simmering on the stove, we may find some time for reading and sipping on tea.  My mother-in-law always had fresh coffee which she enjoyed throughout the day.    We may do some last minute cleaning, finishing up the laundry, tidying rooms, and cleaning up the kitchen as we work at a more leisurely pace. 

Just before the dinner hour, it is time to wind down the day.  Sometimes guests stop by to visit.  We enjoy their company while we continue our industry.  If they arrive at a time when we can take a break, we may serve a little cake and tea and delight in the joy of being home.

Soon the family is seated at the table. Prayers are said. Conversation is started and the meal is enjoyed by all.   This relaxing time of eating together at a formal dinner, with napkins, and salt and pepper placed in the center of the table, is a delight.

At this dinner table, and throughout the day,  no one is secretly texting a friend.  No one is rushing off to play video games.  No one is talking about the television program they are missing out on.  No one is ignoring the family by endless phone or computer conversations.  Why? Because none of those things have been invented yet . . .  in this little home of industry. 

The evening hour has come. It is time to gather for family prayers and Bible reading.  Everyone has a bedtime. There is order and structure.  Everyone knows what is expected and they yield happily.   Once the day is finished, we look back and think what was done in this house that is anything special?  What was done that was industrious?

This home was full of service and love and old time family values.  This type of home is priceless!  The residents in this place, and the goings on there, will have a tremendous influence for generations to come.  We just need Homemakers willing to continue the tradition of being industrious at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


It need not be difficult - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Housekeeping.

There is more glory and honor in this than anything else - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.

Once we got married, we took one of these  - A Vow of Poverty.



For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 



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Gooseberry Patch Cookbook - Giveaway

Book - Fresh from the Farmstand - Cookbook

Publisher - Gooseberry Patch

Pages - 220, Comb bound


Ever spend time browsing at your local farmer's market? There are all kinds of garden-fresh fruits and vegetables.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming and you might wonder what you can make with such a variety of produce.

Fresh from the Farmstand will give you plenty of ideas for using those fresh garden items!  Inside you'll find 6 sections of recipes. Here is a small sampling:

 - Freshly Gathered Breakfasts

     Peach Oatmeal Pancakes, and Whole-Grain Berry Coffee Cake look delightful!

- Market - Basket Soups and Breads

     Country Chicken and Corn Soup, and Garden Minestrone are hearty comfort foods.

- Garden - Fresh Sides and Salads

     Dilled New Potato Salad, and Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles look fun to try.

- Farmstand Feasts

     Hearty Vegetable Pot Pie, and Pasta Primavera Even Kids Like - are a great way to include fresh produce in the family's diet.

- Summer's Best Appetizers

      Lemon Iced Tea, and Island Chiller are cool and sweet drink ideas.

- Berry Best Desserts

     Royal Strawberry Shortcake, and Refreshing Raspberry Cake sound like wonderful afternoon treats.

Each recipe in this collection is sent in by a Gooseberry Patch reader. This creates a fun variety of great cooking ideas.  The book is packed with little quotes, ideas and pretty drawings to encourage the home cook.

One of my favorite recipes in this book is on page 204. It is for "Never-Fail Pie Crust" and makes 12 single crusts!  It looks easy to follow and is carefully explained.  I can just imagine making homemade chicken pot pies, apple pies and lemon meringue pies with this recipe.

The Giveaway:

How would you like to a chance to win your own copy of Fresh from the Farmstand Cookbook?  I have one available to giveaway.

To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment, telling me your favorite summer - time food.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

6. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

8. Choose to "Like" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.

9. Follow Gooseberry Patch on Twitter.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

This contest is closed. The winner is A Godly Homemaker

One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 11, 2012. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

*Disclosure - This giveaway is sponsored by Gooseberry Patch. Items were provided by them.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Review - Don't Panic Cookbook

Book - Don't Panic--Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family

Author - Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell and Bonnie Garcia

Publisher - Revell

Paperback, 250 pages

This cookbook is designed to help busy moms make delicious foods, with little fuss. It is packed with amazing recipes like: "Tender Baked Meatballs;" "Swedish Blender Pancakes;" and "Steakhouse Burritos." 

Many of the foods sound like something you would order in a fancy restaurant.  Yet the ingredients and instructions are simple enough for a mom to prepare at home!

Here is some of what you'll find inside:

1. Small Bites and Appetizers
     My favorite from this selection is "Mashed potatoes in golden Phyllo dough."

2. Breakfast, Breads and Brunch
      The "Orange Cream Smoothies" sound as delightful as the "Cream Cheese Danish."

3. Soups, Salads and Sides
       I love the "Potato Soup Extraordinaire!"

4. Pasta, Pasta
       Homestyle basics like "Four Cheese Baked Ziti" and "Mac and Cheese" would be a hit with my family!

5. Crockpot Collection
        "Succulent Teriyaki Chicken" sounds amazing!

6. Easy Baked Oven Dishes
         "Rosemary Chicken with Shallots and Sweet Potatoes" would make an easy and inviting dinner for guests!

7. Grate Grills and Marinades
          Here's where you'll find "Steakhouse Burritos!"

8. Savory Skillets and Quick Sautes
        "Crispy Chicken Ranch Cutlets or Sandwiches" look fabulous!

9. Desserts Divine
       I made the "Chocolate Buttercream Frosting" and it was so easy to do! It is delicious. 

The book also contains a guide in the back, to help you with measurements and equivalents.  There are a total of 150 recipes!  This cookbook will inspire you to make exciting and easy meals.

*Disclosure - I received this product for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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