When I was young I received a cookbook from a teacher friend of my mother's, Mrs. Espy. She taught high school English. I have tried in vain to find this cookbook, as I know I would never give it away, but to no avail. The cookbook was especially for kids, and used kitchen appliances such as the toaster oven, the "fry-daddy" and maybe the "Presto" hamburger maker - remember those?
Mrs. Espy had gone through the cookbook and written little notes in red pen, such as "These sound delicious!" "I can't wait to try these!" And next to some recipes, she just drew a smiley face. This was my first experience with a cookbook, and especially one of my own. The recipe I remember making was Biscuit Pizzas, and I think I remember it went something like this:
Ingredients:
1 can of refrigerator biscuits
tomato sauce
cheese
Instructions:
Pat out biscuit dough until it forms a flat round. Top with tomato sauce and cheese. Place in toaster oven (or real oven) for time recommended on biscuit can.
That's it!
In honor of Mrs. Espy, I made them again, but "doctored" them up a little. They were a big hit with the hubby, and I'm sure P-Nugget will like helping make them when she's big enough.
Mrs. Espy was a very nice lady, and when she passed away, there was an auction for some of her belongings. My mother acquired some Southern Living cookbooks from the auction, and sure enough, Mrs. Espy had written little notes on the pages. Now when we look at the cookbooks, we think of her. I think this is the reason that I make notes in my cookbooks and on my recipes - someone will have my books someday (maybe little Mary-Claire) and with my notes, the books will have just a little more personality.
I still buy kid's cookbooks, and I recently bought the Sesame Street one for Mary-Claire. The Emeril's is an autographed copy from a few years back:
I can't wait until she's old enough to help me pick something out!
What was the first thing you remember cooking? I'd love to hear!
The Real Housewife of Sheboygan County
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