No matter the title we bestow upon her, she remains our cherished gift, exuding beauty and harboring solutions to any inquiry. She possesses an understanding that cookies encapsulate a unique enchantment, recognizing their wondrous medicinal potential, particularly in soothing a scraped knee. With the power of her affectionate kisses and embraces, she can alleviate even the most agonizing of pains, extinguish the heat of burns, stitch together a fractured heart with a mere smile, and safeguard secrets more adeptly than anyone else on this planet. Though she is known by various names, whatever term you use to address her, the love you feel for her, the memories you treasure about her, or the moments you hold dear, she remains exceptional. She is the embodiment of specialness. She is your grandmother.
My exceptional grandmother bore the name Eva Catherine Olsen, a product of my mother's lineage. Originating in Norway, she became an American bride in 1910. Throughout her ensuing years, she nurtured a family of five children, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. The more family surrounded her, the more radiant she became. Each one of us held a profound place in her heart. Thanksgiving served as the adhesive binding our family, and from her porch, she'd eagerly await our arrivals. When the time came to bid adieu, she repeated her heartfelt farewells, wishing all a safe journey home.
Contained within these pages are recipes transcribed from her index cards, tucked away in the uppermost cupboard. Passed down from one generation to the next, these cherished culinary secrets are Eva's legacy for your enjoyment. As her granddaughter Pat Neaves (Olsen/Woodham), I've penned this homage to her. She was my grandmother, the linchpin holding our family fabric in place, as many grandmothers do. May you take pleasure in these recipes presented here and perhaps share your own cherished recipes with your loved ones.
I personally hand printed every word and graphic in this book back in 1989, a time predating the convenience of computers and word processors. Appreciate the gravity of what your holding in your hands.
The harmony between food and family is effortless. Endeavor to keep them intertwined whenever possible, in the words of Eva herself.
The photograph above captures me alongside my beloved husband Larry, who is no longer with us. During his time beside me, he stood steadfast through my culinary experiments, both successful and not-so-successful. Although he might not have openly admitted it, I garnered a new kitchen, countless trips, and other accolades that made him genuinely proud of me. He was my unwavering support, my rock
