Cooking beloved recipes is a special family tradition. Author and journalist Laurie Colwin once said that ”No one who cooks does so alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, and the wisdom of cookbook writers.”

Remembering, collecting, and passing down family recipes that our loved ones perfected is a wonderful way to honor and immortalize them. Whenever we had a family gathering in the summer, my aunt would whip up a batch of my favorite dip—“Tennessee Caviar.”

To recreate it, Mix 2 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas, with 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn (both drained). Add 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Ro-Tel), 2 cups chopped red bell pepper and 1 (8 oz) bottle of Italian salad dressing. Combine all ingredients and refrigerate mixture overnight. It’s great with your favorite kind of chips (my aunt always served corn chips).

Making this family recipe always reminds me of the fun we had at the lake in the summertime.

When family members live in different areas, it’s not always possible to gather in the kitchen and cook together. One VoiceQuilt family decided to collect well-loved holiday family recipes for the next generation, building a bridge between time and distance. Another VoiceQuilt family, when faced with the loss of a loved-one, collected cherished stories and family recipes as a way to honor that loved one’s memory.

At VoiceQuilt, we believe that family stories keep us grounded, preparing us for future challenges and adventures. Celebrating  connections through family recipes is an important part of building a legacy for our children and grandchildren.