From Aunt Laura

Dear Kate,

I have spent this past winter and spring trying to compile these books for you. It is a true labor of love, believe me! As you enter the big world, I am sending with you The Leusch Family Recipes. They have been gathered from the three generations before yours. They also come from friends of ours, both old and new, some gone, outgrown or just lost. A piece of all of them stays with us. Occasionally, they are just things we found in magazines or newspapers and haven’t even tried yet. They always sound good! I hope you enjoy using these recipes and reading the occasional story connected with them.

As I was copying these, I thought of many hints to give you. Most of them have disappeared as I came to this final point. I found that we have a lot of what I would call “weekend” recipes. They take a lot of time! Almost always, they are worth it. Some recipes are so old and well known to us, that a recipe was never written down. I have tried to recreate those for you. There will be more to come, as we still need to test some! Some recipes will be added later as a few of the family find a little time to share them with me.

My hints..oh yes, Kate, I do have a few. Do you know that the only food you pack when measuring is brown sugar? Don’t be afraid to talk to the butcher or fish man for advice or to order a specific cut of meat or fish. They are there to help you! A lot of the recipes call for a small amount of liquor. You probably won’t want to buy a full bottle for just 2 tablespoons. Look for a store that sells small bottles. You’ll save a lot of money and still be able to make the recipe. Most of all, enjoy the cooking! Have fun with it. If you really hate an ingredient, leave it out. And finally, if you never want to cook, save them for your children!

Happy Graduation, Kate!

Love, Aunt Laura