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How to create a family cookbook

<p>Do you have old recipes passed down to you from your grandmother? Have you passed down recipes of your signature dish to your grandchildren? The secret to creating your favourite dishes can entail much more than simple instructions. Those treasured family recipes are a part of your family’s heritage – beloved because they evoke memories of days gone by and remind you of the special people in your life (as well as for the delicious taste.) But too often these recipes are torn from magazines and stashed in an old folder, scrawled on pieces of scrap paper or simply exist in our minds. It is time to preserve these cherished recipes to not only ensure future generations get a chance to enjoy great-great grandma’s special chicken casserole dish but to reflect on the shared memories and traditions of a family brought together by the power of food. Gather the recipes together before they are forgotten forever in a family cookbook.</p> <p><strong>Make a plan</strong></p> <p>Make a list of the recipes that you want to include. Maybe it is the meatloaf of your childhood that you were tired of because mum made it every Monday night but found yourself making it for your own children. It could be the devilled eggs grandma made or the unique way your grandson makes tacos that is somehow always delicious.</p> <p>Organise them how you see fit. It could be by meal times, individuals or holidays. It depends on what types of recipes you have and your personal preference.</p> <p><strong>Test it out</strong></p> <p>While you may have found the recipe in a magazine or online, over the years recipes slowly begin to be tweaked – adding something more or something less, sometimes accidentally – until you have created the perfect recipe for your family’s taste. The best way to ensure the recipe you write down is your dish is to cook it. Write down everything as you go including all the categories you would find in a traditional recipe such as serving sizes, ingredients, instructions for preparations but remember the following:  </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients list with measurements</span> – Remember to include measurement for a “sprinkle” or a “dash of that” especially for those little add-ons like seasoning and spices.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Description of ingredients</span> - For example, your grandma might have insisted “sliced” rather than “diced” onions completely changed her Bolognese (as well as a few secret ingredients).</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Temperature and times</span> – Add extra clues like five minutes or until golden so future generations know they are on the right path.  </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pots and pans</span> – Make note of any special pots and pans needed as well as the sizes.</p> <p>While you may always play it by ear when cooking your favourite dishes (after all, you’ve been cooking them for years), now is the time to accurately record everything. Just think of future great-great-great grandkids trying it out for the first time!</p> <p><strong>Add a personalised touch</strong></p> <p>You aren’t just writing a recipe you are writing up a family treasure. Add those helpful tips and tricks you’ve found out yourself the hard way, your opinions about the best way to slice a tomato and ideas for variations. These little quirks in the recipes are what makes the memories – the personal way someone approached the recipe and changed it to make them their own.</p> <p><strong>Other family member’s recipes</strong></p> <p>Get other family members to contribute their favourite recipes. Be sure to get them to write it like you have or alternatively go over and watch them cook (a great idea for the people who never follow recipes). Ask them for their special tips and where the recipe is from and how it has changed.</p> <p><strong>Make memories last forever</strong></p> <p>Now it’s time to take a trip down memory lane. Write down the special memories and anecdotes that accompanies each recipe (get family members to do it for their recipes). Perhaps it’s the memory of smelling grandma’s lasagne wafting into your bedroom or the excitement you felt when you knew dad was cooking his special beef stew. Or it’s the story of the first time grandkids ate your cheesecake and spat it out only for it to be the favourite cake now.</p> <p>Personalise your titles such as “Auntie Mary’s banana bread” and be sure to include pictures as well. It could be a picture of the dish or the family member who created it or just a photo of the whole family enjoying it.</p> <p><strong>Enjoy it</strong></p> <p>Once compete you’ll be in possession of the best recipe cookbook ever. Try out some recipes and enjoy your family history!</p>

Home & Garden

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6 of the best cookbooks of all time

<p>Want to shake up your weekly dinner routine? Or maybe learn a fun new dessert? Why not take some inspiration from the most-esteemed names in the culinary world. From Julia Child to Jamie Oliver, we take a look at the cookbooks that everyone – regardless of their skill level – should own.</p> <p><strong>1. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-australian-women-s-weekly-children-s-birthday-cake-book-the-australian-women-s-weekly%2Fprod9781742450582.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>The Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book</em></span></a></strong></p> <p>We have to start with an Australian classic. If you don’t own this book, chances are you’ve come into contact with it – or one of its recipes – at least once in your life. Now, it’s been reprinted in a vintage edition, bringing those deliciously whimsical cakes to a whole new generation – why not try one for your grandchild?</p> <p><strong>2. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fmastering-the-art-of-french-cooking-julia-child%2Fprod9780241956465.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Volume One</em> </span></a>by Julia Child </strong></p> <p>Julia Child revolutionised the world of home cooking in 1961 when she released Mastering the Art of French Cooking, making traditional gourmet recipes like beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse and cassoulet accessible to even the most amateur home cooks. Even better, once you’ve worked through this one, there’s <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fmastering-the-art-of-french-cooking-julia-child%2Fprod9780241956472.html"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">volume two</span></strong></a> waiting for you.</p> <p><strong>3. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fjamie-at-home-jamie-oliver%2Fprod9780718152437.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Jamie at Home</em></span></a> by Jamie Oliver </strong></p> <p>Of the 20-odd books he’s produced in his two-decade-long career, Jamie at Home has to be one of his best. Described by Jamie himself as “no-nonsense, simple cooking”, the book encourages cooks to use fresh, local and even home-grown veggies to make healthy, flavoursome dishes. With more than 100 recipes to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.</p> <p><strong>4<em>. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fessentials-of-classic-italian-cooking-marcella-hazan%2Fprod9780394584041.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Essentials of Italian Cooking</span></a></em> by Marcella Hazan </strong></p> <p>Marcella Hazan is to Italian cooking what Julia Child is to French. Considered to be an authority on authentic Italian cuisine, here she shares tips and delicious recipes for everyone from beginner to expert. If you’re a lover of Italian food but want to know how to do it like the locals, this is the book for you.</p> <p><strong>5. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-flavor-bible-karen-page%2Fprod9780316118408.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>The Flavour Bible</em></span></a> by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg </strong></p> <p>If you think you’ve mastered the basics and are ready for a bit of creativity, The Flavour Bible is a must-read. This encyclopaedia of ingredients, listed alphabetically, delves deep into each flavour, texture, and innovative combination you can think of. Plus, you’ll learn how to recreate chefs Page and Dornenburg’s most imaginative dishes.</p> <p><strong>6. <a href="https://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fjoy-of-cooking-irma-s-rombauer%2Fprod9780743246262.html"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Joy of Cooking</span> </em></a>by Irma S. Rombauer </strong></p> <p>How could we not include this one? Published in 1936, more than 18 million copies of this iconic book have been sold. In fact, the New York Public Library named it as one of the 150 most important and influential books of the 20th century. Updated for our modern, fast-paced lifestyle, the food bible now includes quick and easy meals, guides to making jams, pickles, cocktails and so much more.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, how many of these cookbooks do you own? Which is your all-time favourite?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2017/01/5-more-great-ebooks-under-5-dollars/">5 more great e-books under $5</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2017/01/6-great-aussie-books/">Australian author showcase: 6 fantastic books</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2017/01/books-to-take-on-holiday/">5 books to take on your next trip</a></strong></em></span></p>

Books

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5 new release books you can’t miss this month

<p>Ready for a fresh batch of great books to read this month? From a fantastic cookbook to a chilling thriller, no matter what your literary taste, there’s something new for you.</p> <p><strong>1. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-little-breton-bistro-nina-george%2Fprod9780349142227.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Little Breton Bistro</span></em></a> by Nina George</strong></p> <p>From the author of the international bestseller <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-little-paris-bookshop-nina-george%2Fprod9780349140377.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Little Paris Bookshop</span></strong></em></a> comes yet another delightfully colourful novel set in France. Marianne Messman, an unhappily married woman, is saved from drowning by a homeless man, decides to reinvent her life, moving to the tiny port town of Kerdruc in Brittany. There, she encounters a number of eccentric characters, falling in love once more, and must decide what her future holds – comfort and familiarity with her husband, or excitement and the unknown.</p> <p><strong>2. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-end-of-the-day-claire-north%2Fprod9780356507354.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The End of the Day</span></em></a> by Claire North</strong></p> <p>Charlie doesn’t have your ordinary desk job. But, sooner or later, you will meet him. Everyone will. In a hospital, on a battlefield, at the scene of a car crash… Because before death comes to take you, you’ll get a visit from Charlie. Sometimes he’s sent as a courtesy, sometimes as a warning – but he never knows which. If you like unconventional, thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful writing, this book could be a new favourite.</p> <p><strong>3. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fjulie-goodwin-s-essential-cookbook-julie-goodwin%2Fprod9780733637117.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Essential Cookbook</span></em></a> by Julie Goodwin</strong></p> <p>Australia’s original <em>Masterchef</em> is back with over 300 of her go-to recipes, from making the perfect omelette and roasting chicken like a pro to preparing quick-fix salads and family favourite desserts like Victoria sponge cake. No matter how much or how little you have in your fridge or pantry, Julie has a food solution to everything.</p> <p><strong>4. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-lucky-one-caroline-overington%2Fprod9780732299767.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Lucky One</span></em></a> by Caroline Overington</strong></p> <p>Fans of bestselling page-turner <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-one-who-got-away-caroline-overington%2Fprod9780732299750.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The One Who Got Away</strong></em></span></a>, you’re in luck. Caroline Overington is back with yet another gripping psychological thriller, and it sounds just as un-put-down-able as the last. When billionaire developers purchase a 150-year-old castle, they uncover something unsettling – skeleton after skeleton… and not all of them are old. It’s down to detectives to track down the castle’s previous owners and solve the mystery once and for all.</p> <p><strong>5. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-shadow-land-elizabeth-kostova%2Fprod9781925498486.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Shadow Land</span></em></a> by Elizabeth Kostova</strong></p> <p>After the tragic death of her beloved brother, Alexandra decides to travel to Bulgaria in an effort to outrun her grief. However, when a baggage mix-up leaves her holding an urn filled with ashes, she is forced to confront her pain. As she sets out in search of the urn’s owners, its significance becomes increasingly clear, with the truth behind it lying at the very heart of this beautiful, dark and mysterious country.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what books are you looking forward to this month?</p>

Books

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Melted butter biscuits

<p>As featured in the Over60 cookbook, here George shares his recipe for Melted butter biscuits.</p> <p>“In the 1950s, the local Baptist church had each member submit a recipe for their 21st anniversary. This recipe was given by an 80-year-old member, who had it passed to her by her mother. As a mere male, these biscuits are so easy to make. I don’t know how long I’ve been making them… years.” George Hyman</p> <p>To discover 174 more recipes from the Over60 cookbook and the lovely stories behind where they came from, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">why not order your very own copy of The Way Mum Made It today</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Makes:</span> </strong>36</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1 egg</li> <li>1 cup caster sugar</li> <li>200 g unsalted butter, melted</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2½ cups self-raising flour</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.</li> <li>Using an electric mixer, beat the egg and sugar in a large bowl until combined.</li> <li>Add the melted butter and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Slowly add the flour and mix until just combined.</li> <li>Using 2 teaspoons of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls. Place on the prepared baking trays, leaving room for spreading.</li> <li>Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Variation:</strong> You can also add mixed dried fruit, shredded coconut, chopped nuts or cocoa powder.</p>

Food & Wine

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3 childhood favourite desserts that will make you nostalgic

<p>Do you have old recipes passed down to you from your grandmother? Or have you passed down recipes of your signature dish to your grandchildren? These are the dishes that become treasured family recipes – beloved because they instantly transport you to a cherished memory and remind you of the special people in your life. Family recipes passed down through the generations can never be beat – after all, it’s the way mum made it, and why would you want to tamper with perfection? That’s why Over60 wanted to create a family cookbook, packed with the recipes passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter for generations, and thanks to you – the Over60 community – we have a book full of cherished family recipes.</p> <p>Here’s just three childhood favourite desserts from Over60's cook, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Way Mum Made It </span></strong></em></a>, that will transport you back to the kitchen of your childhood waiting for mum to finish off the scrumptious treats.</p> <p><strong>The Perfect Scones</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span>: 16</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients</span></p> <ul> <li>3 cups self-raising flour</li> <li>40g chilled butter, chopped</li> <li>2 teaspoons caster sugar</li> <li>pinch of salt</li> <li>1 1⁄2 cups buttermilk, plus extra to glaze</li> <li>raspberry jam, to serve</li> <li>thick cream, to serve</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></p> <p>1. Preheat the oven to 230°C. Lightly dust a square cake tin with flour.</p> <p>2. Sift the flour into a large bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour the buttermilk into it. Using a knife in a cutting motion, stir the mixture until a soft dough forms. You may need to add more buttermilk to soften the dough.</p> <p>3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead until the dough just comes together. Be gentle and make sure you don’t overwork it — this is what causes tough scones. Using your fingertips, gently pat the dough into a disc about 3cm thick.</p> <p>4. Using a 5cm diameter round cutter dipped in flour, cut the scones from the dough. Re-use any excess dough. Arrange the scones in the prepared tin so they are only just touching. Lightly brush the tops with the extra buttermilk.</p> <p>5. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and the scones sound hollow when tapped. Serve warm with jam and cream.</p> <p><strong>Chocolate Crackles</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Makes</span>: 24</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></p> <ul> <li>4 cups Rice Bubbles</li> <li>1 cup icing sugar</li> <li>1 cup desiccated coconut</li> <li>100g unsweetened cocoa powder</li> <li>250g Copha, melted</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span>:</p> <p>1. In a large bowl, mix the Rice Bubbles, icing sugar, coconut and cocoa using a wooden spoon.</p> <p>2. In a saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the Copha. Allow to cool slightly. Add to the Rice Bubble mixture, stirring until well combined.</p> <p>3. Spoon the mixture evenly into 24 paper patty cases and refrigerate until firm.</p> <p><strong>Lamingtons</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span>: 20</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></p> <ul> <li>4 eggs</li> <li>1/3 cup caster sugar</li> <li>1 cup self-raising flour</li> <li>1⁄4 cup cornflour</li> <li>25 g unsalted butter, chopped</li> <li>4 tablespoons boiling water</li> <li>3 cups desiccated coconut</li> <li>Chocolate icing</li> <li>2/3 cup icing sugar mixture</li> <li>1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li> <li>20 g soft unsalted butter</li> <li>3⁄4 cup milk</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span></p> <p>1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a 20 cm x 30 cm lamington tin and line the base with baking paper.</p> <p>2. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs in a small bowl until light in colour. Gradually add the sugar, beating for 8 minutes, or until the mixture is thick.</p> <p>3. Meanwhile, sift the flour and cornflour together three times. Combine the butter and boiling water in a small heatproof bowl.</p> <p>4. Transfer the egg mixture to a large bowl. Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture. Using a balloon whisk or a large metal spoon, gently fold the flour into the egg mixture, then fold in the butter mixture.</p> <p>5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when touched lightly in the centre and comes away from the side of the tin. Turn the cake onto a wire rack to cool.</p> <p>6. Cut the cooled cake into 20 even pieces.</p> <p>7. To make the chocolate icing, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a large heatproof bowl. Add the butter and milk and stir over a saucepan of simmering water until the icing is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Divide the icing mixture into two small bowls.</p> <p>8. Place the coconut in a shallow bowl.</p> <p>9. Using a large fork, dip each piece of cake briefly into the icing until the cake is coated. Hold over the bowl to drain off any excess. Dip half the cake pieces in one bowl of icing and the other half in the second bowl of icing. (If the icing becomes too thick, stand it over hot water while dipping, or reheat gently with a touch more milk. If necessary, strain the icing into a clean bowl.)</p> <p>10. Toss the cake gently in the coconut. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to set.</p> <p>Note: The cake is easier to handle if it is made a day ahead or refrigerated for several hours. </p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span>.</a></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/chicken-alfredo-fettucine/">Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/broccoli-zucchini-quiche/">Broccoli, parmesan and zucchini quiche</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/">Cheesy pea and pesto</a><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/"> pasta</a></em></strong></span></p>

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