In most families, holidays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners usually revolve around laughter and food — lots of food. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous biscuits or that secret chili recipe your uncle swears he’ll take to the grave, these dishes are part of what makes your family your family. So, why not gather all those delicious memories into one place by creating a family cookbook? Know your why. Before you dive in, decide what your cookbook is for. Is it a holiday gift? A legacy project? A fun way to organize weeknight favorites? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone, design, and A Taste of Home CREATE A FAMILY COOKBOOK FULL OF LOVE AND FLAVOR
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox
Mustard Peridot Poppy Sisters
Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini
care you put into it. Gather the goods.
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part — tracking down recipes from relatives. Send a group text, email, or social media post asking for their go-to dishes. Encourage everyone to include personal stories, tips, or funny kitchen mishaps. That’s the good stuff that makes your cookbook meaningful. Choose an organizational style. You could go the traditional route with categories like appetizers, mains, and desserts, or get creative with sections like “Grandma’s Greatest Hits,” “Cousin Potluck Favorites,” or “Holiday Classics.” Just pick a format that feels natural and easy to follow. Test and tweak as you go. Some family recipes live in the land of vague directions — “a dash of this” or “cook until it smells right,” etc. If needed, test the recipes and jot down more precise measurements or instructions. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Add a personal touch. Photos can take a cookbook from good to unforgettable. Include pictures of the dishes, handwritten recipe cards, or candid family cooking moments. Even simple design details — like using someone’s handwriting or a family saying — can make it feel special. Pick a format. You don’t need to be a professional designer to pull this off. Tools like Canva, Shutterfly, or even Microsoft Word can help you create a layout. Decide whether you want to print physical copies, go digital, or do both Don’t forget to embrace imperfection. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A little mess here and there adds charm. What matters is preserving the joy, tradition, and flavor of your family’s kitchen.
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
1 loaf French bread
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
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