Recipes: Finding the Missing Pieces

Granny never measured anything. I am not even sure why she had measuring cups and spoons. She eyeballed everything and was never wrong. Anyone who has baked knows that some recipes require not just measurements, but also an order in which ingredients must be mixed, and specific oven temperatures.

Since Granny passed away in January 2020, I think about our family traditions created by her and Grandpa. The fun times I had growing up on their property, and what an insanely good cook she was. While writing a eulogy from the grandkids, the fear of forgetting began to nibble at me. Everything needed to be written down, nothing forgotten, and shared with others, showing the importance of family traditions and togetherness.

Each story reminded me of something she would cook or put together. Her love language was service and she served others, literally, through food she made with love. Those dishes are things I want to make for my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, friends, and more. Some recipes were written down, some not, but one thing was painfully obvious--not a single one was complete. Every handwritten recipe is missing at least one element. Measurements, cooking temps, cooking times, or mixing directions are things commonly missing.

It has been over a year and this memoir cookbook is proving to be my biggest challenge yet. There have been 10 times more failures than successes attempting to recreate Granny's food. This past week I tried a new one. A favorite of mine that my mother would make. She learned from Granny and when she cooks, the same issue arises. Eyeballin' everything. Fine for them, bad for those of us who are not as talented in the kitchen. My brother-in-law and his family came in for a visit this week, and for two days we had a house full to cook for. This was the perfect time to see if people loved homemade chocolate pudding as much as I did. Mainly when it is served warm, fresh from the saucepan.

Deciphering some scratched-out numbers and guessing between two measurements for the same ingredient, assuming the mixing order and temperature, proved to be worth it. That pudding is still friggin' delicious! the only thing missing was a scoop of Blue Bell vanilla bean ice cream in the middle of the warm, chocolate pool to take it over the top. There are a couple of small changes to be made, but I am over the moon to have another completed recipe for the book. And delighted to be able to share food that I grew up with and loved with people I love. That is what it is all about.