This is a compilation of the many written and unwritten recipes that make up my mother’s cooking repertoire. She never claimed to be the originator of a recipe—that wasn’t her style. But she did subscribe to ‘many a magazine’ and was forever clipping and collecting recipes. She’s copied down mouth-watering recipes from friends and family—and gladly shared her collection with ‘many a cook.’ This book is something that she’s talked about wanting to do for quite some time.

Anyone who entered our family’s home was greeted with wonderful aromas wafting throughout the house. We all remember the incredible meals that she created with very simple ingredients—and the great desserts that were always in the house. It was quite obvious that Mom really enjoyed what she was doing in the kitchen and it was only natural for her children to want to be a part of that. We learned from a very young age, that if you wanted to spend time with her, you needed to be in the kitchen. As we grew, she taught us to mix and fold, simmer and fry, frost and ice. She also taught us how to enjoy good food. Cooking is but one of the many virtues she’s passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One of the greatest insights ever offered was when Ben, her oldest grandson, was a small child and asked his grandmother if she had ‘Baker’s Hands.’ Yes, everyone agrees: she’s got Baker’s Hands, Cook’s Know-How, and a Golden Heart which all add up to great food and wonderful memories. I know that Mom hopes you enjoy cooking up some of your own.