My grandma has been on my mind a lot lately–no big surprise. One of the many things Alzheimer’s robs us of is the chance to mourn what we have lost; instead we just gradually accept that it is gone. Call me naive, but I have been a little surprised at how much this past week has hurt, at how much I am feeling the loss of stuff that was technically lost 5 or more years ago.
My mother’s mother was the Quintessential Grandma. Which is not say that a grandma has to be this way–my other grandma was the Anti Quintessential Grandma, and I loved her just as much. But anyway, my maternal grandmother sewed, quilted, cooked, gardened, baked… you name it. My Christmas stocking growing up? Grandma sewed and decorated it. My fancy designed birthday cakes when I was little? Grandma. My quilt that I have had since I was a child and several others I inherited as an adult? Grandma. My best memories of shelling peas? Grandma’s house with Grandma. Same with snapping green beans. We were sharing memories of Grandma this past weekend and my sister said she always associated strawberry shortcake with bacon for dinner with grandma. That’s weird, I said, I associate that with Mom and don’t remember ever having that at Grandma’s house. But then I realized she always pulled out the Beef & Noodles for me when I was there–even an individual serving from her frozen stash if need be, because I loved those Beef & Noodles.
She was that kind of grandma.
In the meantime, back in 2009, I have been wanting to host a blogging event. The idea scares me–what if no one participates? What if everyone participates? What if I find out it is super easy and I could have been hosting some all along?
So because I have been wanting to make some of the dishes I associate with her and because I have been wanting to host an event, I am hosting an event in her honor. I want dishes that your grandma made. If you don’t have a grandma, you can borrow someone else’s: if you have a grandma-type person in your life who is not really your grandma (maybe like my fabulous Great Aunt Blanche), that’s fine, I am not picky. But I hope it’s a dish that you personally associate with your grandma or grandma-like person. And if it is her recipe that is even better–but I realize not everybody invents dishes.
Here’s how it works:
1. Make a dish that qualifies as described above and write about it.
2. Post it on your blog between now and 12 AM Midnight Saturday April 11 (USA EST)–all submissions must be in English please.
3. Provide a link in your post to this page and this blog.
4. Email me at thespicedlife AT gmail DOT com by 12 AM Midnight Saturday April 11 (USA EST) with:
-the recipe name
-the URL of the post
-the URL of your blog
-your location
5. Please place a copy of the logo on your post if possible.
6. Multiple submissions are welcome, but please only one submission for each type of dish (main dish, appetizer, dessert, etc).
7. New posts only please.
8. Don’t worry about photos–I will grab one from your post.
And tell all your blogging friends about it!
Laura–
This sounds like an amazing event! You’ll have to remind us all from time to time, but I’m sure you’ll get a big turnout!
Such a great idea! I haven’t posted any recipes on my blog since I started, but I think I’ll have to for this!
Robert
What a sweet event! There is nothing like good time tested family recipes.
This is genius! I only wish my grandmothers were decent cooks. I’ll watch the event unfold with envy!
What a great idea, and a great way to honor and remember your grandma!
What a brilliant idea! I feel I need to get my recipe book out and get baking…
What a fun event! I was too young when my grandma died to know what she really cooked. But I can always imagine right?
What a great idea, Laura! Since I have no blog I can’t technically participate, but I might send you something anyway just for fun… if I have time.
I’d love to start a blog just so I can enter your contest. I have a great story to tell.
This is a really neat idea!
I haven’t posted anything in a while but this might just get me going.
Most of my entries, by the way, are recipes I grew up with, cooked in my grandma’s kitchen. I’m proud to say I was her kitchen apprentice. 🙂
What a great event Laura – of course I will participate – as you know my blog is inspired by my Nanny and I have already posted some of her recipes there. This will give me opportunity to do so with a group! Thanks!
both of my grandmas are so special to me, and i say this is a tremendous event. i’ll do my darnedest to contribute my favorite recipe, but i have to decide what it is first! 🙂
Great idea Laura! Neither of my Grandmothers were cooks really, but my mother is now the Quintessiential Nana! My brother and I both think she’s the best Grandmother EVER! Our kids are so lucky and it’s so great to see them making memories with her. So, in the spirit of the event, I’ll be preparing one of my mom’s recipes!
I’m in, Laura! I will absolutely do this before the deadline. Thanks for the great idea.
Tinky
http://ourgrandmotherskithens.com
This sounds like a great event. I’m going to do my best to participate.
What a wonderful event – I will be sure to post on my blog.
What a great event! I’ve been thinking about my Grandmothers peach turnovers for some crazy reason these past few days.
I lost my grandmother, my aunt, and my dad to Alzheimers. It’s rampant in our family, which my sister and I both realize. That’s one of the reasons we started our blog after our dads passing.
I wish I could enter for this month, but it’s not realistic. I’ll keep an eye on your blog for future deadlines!
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
This is such a lovely way to remember your grandma and a lovely event for all to remember the great times spent together.
oh I’m very interested!
lovely post by the way 🙂
What a great idea! And such a wonderful way to honor all of the grandma figures in our lives 🙂