Day 1307

The other night, I was refilling the Goldens’ water dishes when I inadvertently knocked one of my beloved recipe boxes into a waiting bowl on the floor. I had no idea I could still move with such speed and agility! Luckily, no real harm was done! As I dabbed at any moisture remaining, I took a moment to walk down Memory Lane with the small pieces of history that were almost drowned!

It seems that many people do not want to keep recipe boxes these days. I have been the appreciative recipient of more than a few of these beloved boxes. This one happened to be my mother’s with each recipe card touching my heart. Whether it was her handwriting, or that of the author, memories flowed for each one.

The stories behind some of the peculiar titles have become family lore. For example, “Pinless Hotdish” is a Farrier favorite…

Decades ago (1950s), the ladies of the neighborhood would gather for fancy luncheons. Using their best china, silverware, linens and recipes, these elderly women (probably my age!) would dress up and gather at the hosting home. On rare occasions, one of the “girls” would host a potluck. It was on one of these invitations that my own Nanny was requested to bring her famous hotdish. Somehow, right before she walked across the street to the Starrett home, she accidentally tipped a container of common pins into the bubbling dish! She picked them out as best she could, but there was no guarantee! None of the ladies complained, but it was labeled “Pinless Hotdish” from that day forward!

Recipes are such a rich history for every family! That I am the lucky caretaker of so many is a true honor!

(Special affection to “The Ladies of Christian Hill:" Anne Farrier, Dorothy Zeman, Allie Starrett, Stella Dehn, Addie Erickson, Maddie Babcock and Hazel Babcock. Their recipes and love live on!)