Recipe Storytelling
I have often considered writing a personal history throughout the years. I would sit down and start thinking about a time period in my life, write a page or two, read it, crumple it up, and throw it in the garbage. I had almost given up on ever being able to even get it started when I realized that if I wanted to take the time to write my memories, they needed to be memories that I am excited about. There are many periods of my life that are blank to me, but I can recall food-based memories like a champ.
I have read that this is normal, as food engages all five senses: smell, feel, appearance, sound, and taste. Having these many witnesses makes a strong impression, which would explain why food is closely tied to memory recall. Recipes are more than instructions that tell you how to make favorite dishes; they are tiny time machines, carrying family traditions, feelings, and forgotten moments.
In this post, you’ll learn how to turn your recipes into rich, meaningful stories that you can share to help preserve your family's history. Let’s get started.
What is recipe storytelling?
Recipe storytelling is the art of writing down not just the how, but the who, where, and why behind the dish. It is a great way to pass on fond memories of your family life and traditions. I can think of so many wonderful recipes that I want my children to experience. In my husband's family, there was my mother-in-law’s tender pumpkin roll made at Thanksgiving, and my father-in-law’s panko-coated, golden-fried shrimp for Christmas Eve dinner. In my family, my father’s venison steaks and cream gravy, and my mother’s large assortment of Christmas cookies and candies. You might have a favorite recipe from a college roommate or a friend that takes you back to a different time, when you were a different person. You might have recreated or acquired the recipe of a dish that you loved from a special restaurant where you went for celebrations.
These food memories matter because they preserve culture, emotion, and connection, not just techniques and flavors. Future generations will get a glimpse at the person behind the recipe- a little piece of what made you who you are.
How to tell your story behind the recipe-
Start with the recipe that you love the most and would be sad if you did not share it. Spend a few moments thinking about all the memories that you have associated with it. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
1. The Origin
Where did this recipe come from?
A family member?
A trip?
A survival moment?
- The People
Who do you think of when you make or eat it?
Who taught it to you?
- The Occasion
Was it for everyday (your school lunchbox), a holiday, heartbreak, or celebration?
- The Senses
What do you smell?
Taste?
What sounds do you hear in the background?
What emotions are tied to it?
- The Lessons
Did it teach you something? (How to be frugal, be patient, feel loved, or handle grief?)
Go ahead and write down as much as you can. The resulting story could be very detailed and lengthy or short and to the point. It could be one written for the entire family or for just one person. Do not stress over whether your family may or may not want to read it. They don’t have to; you are writing this story for you. I assure you that someday, someone will find it fascinating. Here is an example of one of my own food memories.
Korean Street Toast- In the 2020- 21 school year, I was attending Idaho State University in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I had an apartment there that I lived in during the school week with two of my children, Trace and Samantha. My daughter Samantha is a fan of the Korean pop group BTS. She loves the members and their music so much that she became interested in all things Korean, including the food. She saw some video footage of people visiting Korea and eating Korean street toast and wanted to try it. I found the following recipe on Pinterest, posted by Seonkyoung Longest, and despite the strange combination of ingredients, I gave it a try. It was a success! I now make it for her if she needs a little extra pampering. I am including the link to the recipe and instructional video here. Just keep in mind that sometimes these links will just disappear, and then you'll be left scrambling to find the exact recipe again. This has happened to me more times than I care to admit, all the more reason to make sure you write it down or copy it off!
Korean Street Toast
1 oz. cabbage, thinly sliced
1 oz. onion, thinly sliced
1 oz. carrot, cut into long, thin strips
1 green onion, chopped
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 tablespoons butter, softened
4 slices Texas toast
3 teaspoons sugar
2 American cheese slices
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, onion, carrot, green onion, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Lightly butter both sides of each slice of bread and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the egg mixture, shaping it into two rough squares.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is set. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove the cooked egg from the skillet to a plate and set aside. Toast the buttered bread slices in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
To assemble sandwiches: On one slice of warm toast, sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Top with the egg omelet and sprinkle with an additional 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add a cheese slice, then drizzle generously with ketchup and mayonnaise. Finish by placing another slice of toasted bread on top. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve warm and enjoy! Serves 2.
"Cooking is a caring and nurturing act. It's kind of the ultimate gift for someone, to cook for them. It creates all this beautiful stuff: conversation, appreciation, romance. All the most important things in life you do around a dinner table." - Curtis Stone.
You don't need to see yourself as a writer to tell a great food story; just remember and record the details. You can start by sharing a food memory in the comments below. I would love to read it!
Love and Hope,
Big Sky Baby