The Insane Family & Friends Cookbook
Pictured top is Edgar and Eleanor before they were married in 1942. They had two sons, Edgar in 1943 and David in 1948. Pictured bottom is Eleanor and Edgar in November of 1975. During the course of their marriage, most of the recipes found in this cookbook were collected from magazines, friends, clubs, or otherwise "created" in Eleanor's kitchen. Eleanor now has, pictured left, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons for these recipes to be shared with. The family has chosen to share these recipes with their friends as well as anyone else interested. We hope you enjoy the food here as much as Eleanor's family has over past 6 decades.
Eleanor with her husband Edgar and two sons, Edgar and David
Above, Eleanor enjoying a day on the lake. Below, in 1949, Eleanor is with Edgar (sitting) and David (being held).
Just as an explanation of this book and the source of its name, two or three years ago I started typing up the recipes, collected by my grandmother, for my family to be able to share as a cookbook. This soon became an insane task considering that 576 of the 606 recipes in this collection were from her box. About 100 recipes in, the task became too much so it was put aside until more time was available. Then, a message board I frequent decided to make a cookbook for the users. Everyone submitted recipes. Out came the project again, as my fellow Knotties had inspired me. Then, I thought, why not let anyone who desires submit recipes and I can compile them into one book. I wasn’t expecting my grandma’s box to provide that many more recipes because it looked like I was halfway through at the time…or maybe 1/3. Definitely didn’t think there were 500+ recipes left.
While waiting for submissions, I started typing….and typing….and typing. Found a nickel from 1957. Kept typing. Had to switch to voice dictation after the typing while reading started taking its toll on my eyes and wrists. It followed me to work. Followed me home during my “breaks.” And, finally, it was completed…at least the recipe entry.
During this time, friends submitted roughly thirty recipes. Some of these were from the Knotties, who came to my rescue when the cookbook was 8 recipes away from 600, which I felt had to be broken, even though I had no more submissions. Then, I faced formatting, editing, and “inventory” of the mass. Then, it was done and printed. I felt the next logical step was to put this collection on the web where others who might be interested could access it (and absent-minded family could find it). If there is an error or something is missing, contact me to see if I have the information you need and so I can edit in the cookbook. Not everything was completely legible as 60 years of use has its toll. So, here it is….
The
Insane Family & Friends Cookbook
Based on The Collection of:
Grandma Eleanor
With Additional Submissions By:
Moria, Myrna, Riham, Frances, David, Edgar, Jaci, Laurel
The Knotties: Amjanos, Bterflywngs, Cueteepi, Honkyrita, Lisa, Lnako1024,
Spee0512 & Treena
Compiled By: Laurel
Eleanor is pictured, center, with her two sons and some of her grandchildren. In the back is her son, David, Alyson, Dwight, and her son Edgar. Front, from left to right, Daniel, Eleanor, Laurel and Patrick. Daniel and Alyson are the children of David and Dwight, Patrick and Laurel are the children of Edgar. Center picture, Ed's oldest son, Steve is shown with his son Eugene. Right picture is Ed's second son, Mike and his son, E.J.