Pages from the past

Three hours into sorting through Abuela’s recipe collection and I’m realizing this project is way bigger than I thought.

Pages from the past

What started as “just organizing a few family recipes” has turned into archaeological work. Some of these cards are so old the ink is fading, and Abuela’s handwriting from the 1960s is completely different from her current style.

I called her back this morning and said yes. How could I not? When your 78-year-old grandmother asks you to help preserve four generations of family recipes, you don’t say “maybe next year.” Plus, Jake pointed out that if I don’t do it now, these stories might disappear forever.

Abuela’s handwriting is like a puzzle sometimes.

Half these cards have notes scribbled in the margins like “Add extra garlic - Miguel loves it” or “Too sweet for Christmas 1987.” It’s like reading a family diary through food.

The plan: scan everything, organize by holiday and occasion, then type up clean versions with the family stories attached. Abuela wants copies for all the cousins by next Christmas. No pressure or anything. But honestly? Sitting here surrounded by decades of Sunday dinners and birthday cakes, I’m excited. These recipes fed my dad when he was little, fed me growing up, and maybe someday they’ll feed my kids too.