Having talked about family recipes and their impact on our sense of self and identity, it’s important to also consider why and how so many of these recipes get passed down from one generation to the next. For the most part, we probably take for granted the fact that our mothers will one day share with us the recipes their mothers shared with them. After all, that is the way the cookies crumbles; ‘my mother shared this recipe with me, and now I’m sharing it with you’, and inevitably, we pass it on to our children, etc. 

Did u ever consider however, that acquiring an old family recipe is not just about nourishment and cooking, but also a window into the past and a deeper understanding of your culture and family history? So, in addition to preserving this significant piece of your family’s story and ensuring that beloved family dishes are not lost over time, there are many reasons why keeping a record of these recipes is important

Family Recipes & Cultural Identity

1. They act as a celebration of heritage: With every dish being linked to a cherished family anecdote, or possessing some historical significance, keeping a record of said recipe is a great way to hold on to a little piece of your family’s history.
2. They help create new memories: In addition to conjuring up some good old-fashioned nostalgia, keeping a record of your cherished family recipes also serves as great way to create new memories and experiences.
3. They allow us to adapt the recipes to suit us better: There’s no doubt that most of these recipes have been adapted overtime, as it is easier to get our hands on some readily made ingredients, as opposed to making everything from scratch. Also, due to environmental reasons, some ingredients may not be available to us today. Therefore, having these recipes on hand, makes it easier us for to adapt them as needed, but still keep their memories alive.
4. They create opportunities for shared experiences: Particularly important in today’s fast-paced world, reviving family recipes still allows for relatives and loved ones to gather around a table, not just to eat, but to share stories, experiences, laughter and memories. And if you can turn the act of cooking into a communal activity, then all the better!
5. They encourage families and loved ones to cook together: Perhaps one of the best bonding experiences, especially with kids, as it can help them appreciate cultural traditions, whilst also acquiring a very important skill. The experience is more than just about chopping and stirring; when cooking together, people inevitably ask questions which lead to the history and anecdotes around certain recipes. And sometimes, communal cooking can lead to certain unexpected events, such as a burnt lasagne, too much salt, a forgotten ingredient etc. These incidents are the ones we learn to laugh at, further adding more memories and things to talk about at future gatherings.
6. They keep traditions alive: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Eid, Christmas or a weekly family lunch/dinner, having these recipes on hand and recreating them year after year keeps that family bond alive and allows us to keep certain traditions going for years to come. Every culture has their tradition, and every family has that one meal they prepare annually to celebrate a holiday or special occasion, and when attending these events, it is pretty much guaranteed that every dish on that table is an old family recipe that has been passed down from one generation to the next, thus making the entire spread all the more sacred and special, and not to mention, playing a huge role in how we remember our loved ones, especially those who are no longer with us.

In short, holding on to these recipes allows us to hold on to the essence of what they truly mean to our family, culture, heritage and history. Think of them as a means of storytelling if you will. They are more than just ingredients and cooking instructions; they make up years of history, love, and tradition. And not to mention that the act of cooking and sharing these recipes creates lasting memories and nurtures connections that grow and transcend over time. So, the next time you ask someone for a recipe, think about where they came from and how they act as a bridge between the past and the present, linking us to our ancestors’ stories and memories, while also helping us create new ones.

What are your thoughts on family recipes? Please share in the comments.

Check out part I of this blog