my mother, who is the only daughter of 9 brothers prepared 30 plus meals a day. because of her fathers and mothers long time business connections, church affilitations, and a huge family base, often, this number swelled. being able to cook tasty meals that were healthy and satisfying was a necessity and something to be expected of my mother and her mother. it wasn't until some years later while eating tea cakes, my mother stated that we really needed to publish these heirloom recipes because other people have the same memories. so, she began her collection of all time favorites as offered by her cousins, aunts, and occasional uncle. this cookbook is a starter for someone who wants to remember the smells and tastes of their home. it serves as a tribute to my mother, her mother and her mothers mothers recipes. these are our memories stretching back hundreds of years and we are sharing them with you.