I remember the first time I wanted to bake something. I was about 7 years old. I had a box of brownie mix and my mom said read the instructions and get all of your ingredients together then call me. I gathered everything I would need, greased the pan, set the oven to the correct temp and called mom. When I passed her first inspection I was instructed to make the brownies then call her before I put them in the oven. I carefully mixed everything, just 50 stirs just as instructed, poured the heavenly chocolate batter into the pan and called mom. She looked pleased then asked me what I intended to do with the eggs that were sitting in the bowl. My first failure averted I learned to read directions and above all to assemble everything I need. ( A year later I no one to blame but myself when my first fudge was more the consistancy and weight of a cinder block.) I never paid much attention to what mom and grandma or for that matter my dad did in the kitchen but they were all great cooks and bakers. Had I known that my mom would die before I had a chance to learn more of her kitchen skills I would have payed more attention. My grandma died a few years later and my dad a few years after that. All taking my favorite recipes with them. Please share the family recipes. If no one is interested now write them down. Trust me it is a heartbreak when they are gone forever.

• Reply