Last week I talked about how I had to overcome being a new bride who had no idea how to cook.  My husband, cookbooks, and the internet were a great first step but what truly helped for those first 15 months when he was gone, were my neighbors. These ladies were my first neighbors as a married woman and they were and still are a huge blessing in my life.  We now all live across the globe but through the glorious internet, we still keep in touch.  We would frequently meet in each others homes for dinners, game nights, and Sunday cookouts in the park.  These gals can COOK and were willing to share some of their knowledge with me as I found my way.  It was a great way for me to watch and learn as we spent time together.  They taught me to collect recipes from places other than a cookbook.  Rather than a scrapbook of memories, I began to create a scrapbook of recipes with memories attached.

As a new bride, start asking friends and family for those recipes that are just to good not to make again.  Buy a three ring binder and sheet protectors.  I didn’t do this a first and so some of the recipes I had . . .  got a little dirty as I make huge messes when I cook.  It’s how I roll.  Sheet protectors allow you to wipe the recipes clean and add more easily as you expand your collection.

Now I enjoy passing along what I have learned to this little guy and one day his sister.  I hope as he gets older to make a memory book of food for him as well.  Check back next week as I start to share some of the recipes I have collected and some of the stories that go with them.  Have a favorite recipes as a new bride? Feel free to send it my way!  I would love to try it.

Are you new to my bridal guide to the kitchen?  Check back to my original post here.