Betsy Simson, former creative director at Leo Burnett then owner of the very popular Corner Cooks cooking school and Jerry’s casual fine dining restaurant in Winnetka, was constantly being asked by her children and their significant others to write down her recipes in order to easily share them. Rather than just jot them down, Simson decided to create a cookbook that not only featured the recipes, but also included the personal family stories behind them. “The ones that meant something,” explains Simson. “Like pasta and broccoli tossed with Parmesan cheese and butter — their antidote for sad days. Or the tortellini soup for bad colds. Our food and our memories. That’s what they were asking for.”
When Simson’s friends got wind of her family cookbook, they wanted her to create one for their families too. And so a new business, Your Homemade Memories, was born. A customer gives Simson their favorite recipes and photos and shares the memories that go with them. Simson then assembles a beautiful cookbook — one with meaning that can be passed down for generations. It’s the perfect holiday or joint shower gift.
For more information, visit Your Homemade Memories’ website.
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