BIG READ: Recipes & Stories
Community Cookbook Project & Family Recipe Journal Project
The MPL BIG READ explores the theme of Food, Family, and Tradition. Every family and every culture has its own way of passing down stories and sharing recipes. We invite you to reflect on the dishes that matter to you—and the memories and stories that make them special.
As part of the BIG READ, MPL is collecting recipes and stories to create a Community Cookbook. Over the next few months, as families gather and connect, it’s the perfect time to bring out those beloved recipes and capture the stories behind them. These memories can be passed down to future generations and shared with your community.
Start gathering your recipes and stories now! Then, stop by any library branch to drop one or two of your favorites into the Recipe Collection Box. You can also pick up an MPL BIG READ Family Recipe Journal to record your family traditions, culinary memories, and special dishes. If you have photos, feel free to include copies with your recipe submissions—they can also easily be added to your journal.
For inspiration, be sure to explore the resources shared by Kate Elliott during a recent Creative Writing Workshop. They offer helpful prompts and tips for capturing cherished recipes and the stories that bring them to life.