Green Living and Energy Expo 2009 Green Home Tour

Homemade For the Holidays

Kathryn Gibson, Sustainable Big Bend

During these challenging economic times the impending holiday season may leave many feeling stressed and apprehensive. Already we are inundated by advertisements. I’ve already heard the pitiful seasonal lament “Have you begun your shopping yet?” in line at the grocery, which will evolve into “Have you completed your shopping?” finally ending on December 24th.

Giving to another as a gesture of love, respect, gratitude and appreciation is truly satisfying and fulfilling. Homemade gifts are a traditional, thrifty and meaningful way to express the season’s sentiments.

On Thursday November 3rd Sustainable Big Bend will sponsor a Homemade For the Holidays Workshop at the IFAS Extension Office, 84 Cedar Street in Crawfordville from 6-8PM. The workshop will provide opportunities to create original gift wrappings embellished with nature. Consider joining others in the DENIM CORNER. Bring an old pair of jeans to repurpose. Share some of your own creations, plans and ideas in a fun loving and playful environment. The workshop is open to people of all ages we only ask that young children be accompanied by an adult. Please call the Extension Office at 926-3931 to register or visit us at the Mighty Mullet Festival on October 29th.

The following is a homemade project that my grandson’s class is doing for the holidays which I wanted to share with you. A Family Cookbook

  1. Begin Simply. Do you want a specific theme such as BBQ or one of general recipes? Decide how many copies you would like to make. Each book can be individually made or an original master copy can be created and duplicated.
  2. Consider collaborating with a sibling, friend or family member. Remember families are not restricted to those to whom we are related.
  3. When you email, call or send requests for favorite recipes suggest a designated return date. Give yourself plenty of time to create this masterpiece. This will also provide an opportunity to catch up with someone you haven’t spoken to in some time or learn a little more about someone than you knew before.
  4. Ask recipe providers to include favorite stories associated with the recipe, such as where did it come from or when did you first prepare it. Also ask for photos of the cook or the dish or both. Ask for special or secret ingredients or tips on preparation.
  5. Leave blank pages for new recipes that may come to you in the future. Cookbooks were traditionally always growing and changing.

    6. The Family Cookbook is a wonderful way to preserve and continue mealtime traditions.

    These guidelines are only suggestions to get one started. Use your imagination as you create a meaningful and thoughtful gift that will last for generations.

    They can be made completely by hand or with help from one of the many online publishers such as:

    www.lulu.com
    www.heritagecookbook.com
    www.familycookbookproject.com

    Personally I love to see my grandmother’s handwritten recipe for Peach Pie frayed and smudged with peach juice. It never fails to conjure up visions of her rolling out the crust