Grandmama's mother, Mama Bertha was the quintessential mother, grandmother and wife. She was famous for her biscuits, pound cakes, chicken and dumplings and fried chicken. I believe I've mentioned before that you could stop by her house any day of the week and find yourself with a nice, thick slab of pound cake and a glass of iced tea. After years of baking countless cakes and goodies, I'm certain Mama Bertha didn't have a single recipe written down.

In the early 70s, Papa Dan, my grandfather, had Mama Bertha record her recipes as she made them. He then compiled a little recipe book and entitled it, "Mama Bertha's Family Favorites." With its handwritten photocopies and hand drawn cover, the little bound book is treasured by brothers, sisters, children and grandkids. While no one else has been quite able to master these dishes the same way she did, it's such a special reminder of her to have meticulous instructions recorded in her neat cursive writing.

Remember that Banana Bread I tried (and failed) to replicate in college?
I'll think I'll give it another go with my new loaf pan.

Mama Bertha's Banana Bread (rewritten exactly as she recorded it)
Cream at No. 7 speed:
½ c. Crisco
1 ½ c. sugar

Add 2 eggs, beating at No. 7 speed until fluffy. Sift together:
2 c. plain flour
¼ t. baking powder
¾ t. soda
½ t. salt

Add to other ingredients and mix for 2 minutes at No. 1 speed. Add:
1 cup mashed bananas (2 or 3)
¼ c. buttermilk
1 t. vanilla
½ c. chopped nuts (she usually used pecans)

Beat at No. 3 speed until well blended. Bake 30-35 minutes in two small loaf pans or in 2 greased 9-inch pans for layer cake with icing.

I could think of no better cookbook to feature this quarter than this one. Family cookbooks are such an important way to preserve our mealtime traditions for future generations. With the passing of our loved ones comes the loss of treasured food traditions. However, there are great ways to salvage family traditions. The Family Cookbook Project allows you to upload your favorites, email them, print them individually or print a professionally bound cookbook. Once the recipes are preserved online, they can be shared with other family members by email, individual printed recipes or your own professionally printed cookbook. Brag Time offers a variety of beautifully handmade books for recording family favorites and clipping recipes from magazines and websites.