The time seems right to take a pause in the nativity action to share my favorite gift idea I’ve had in ages and ages. A personalized recipe book filled with all my favorite dinner recipes, complete with goofy photos on the cover.
When you’ve been working with teenagers for as long as I have, the day eventually comes when you start getting wedding invitations in the mail. It fills me with joy for these young women I love, and also makes me feel a million years old. When my latest friend to get married, Alison, needed a present, I had just made another photobook from my sponsors at TinyPrints, and enjoyed it so much I went back and made this one and paid for it myself. Alison and I bonded over cooking classes, so this seemed like the perfect way to treasure our relationship, while also setting her up in her new life.
When you’re new to running a household, dinner is tough. Heck, it’s tough even when you’ve been doing it for years. So for my newlywed friend I gathered all of my favorite go-to recipes, the ones I return to over and over again, and organized them by themes – Pasta, Soups and Salad, Comfort Food, Simple Suppers – that Alison could refer to when she was faced with that never ending question, “What do I make for dinner tonight?” As much as I love the fancy desserts and inspiring sides, what I really need are actual meals. So that’s all I included in this cookbook – hearty, simple, home cooked dinners.
My favorite part of the whole project? This little jokey back cover. I crack myself up sometimes.
oh my goodness this has got to be the best thing I have ever seen! can I get one when im married pretty lady? PS: i miss our lunch dates! and that cute little boy of yours!
Dang i want one and not only am I already married, but irl I don't even know Reese/Tresa!
Looks very cool!
That's so awesome! You should make one for yourself too!
That is the best idea ever. If only I cooked and if only my laurels would ever want my recipes…. it's genius though!
Tresa I just loved this, it inspires me all the time! thanks for all you've taught me over the years, and not just in the kitchen (though that's been helpful too, I taught Grant all your chopping tricks). love you sweet lady
– Alison