I have had, and used!, this cookbook since 1972!

My girlfriends, Joanie, JoAnn, and Paulette gave it to me for my 18th birthday. As you can see, it has been much used and well-loved. It is stuffed with memories and the stains of past cooking. I have a menu from 1973 from the King’s Arms in Williamsburg (tea, coffee, or milk, 25 cents each!). Recipes in my mother’s handwriting. How to cook mice in Malawi (skewered on a stick, boiled with salt, and eaten whole, hair, toenails, everything!).How to make Big Bird Sesame Seed Cookies from when I took the kids to see Big Bird in person in Roanoke! I can not tell you how many times I made muffins (page 581). This has been my basic, go-to cookbook since 1972.

Joanie, JoAnn, and Paulette, I have always had joy in cooking! (well, except for maybe when I made cookies that came out looking like mud puddles! And the random disaster dinners!). Thank you for a lifetime of cooking and memories and JOY!

My love and gratitude to you all.