Friendly readers who’ve been with me for awhile remember The Clara Project from four years ago. For those who are new to this space, I’ll share a quick recap:
Browsing an antique shop in Milford, OH, I came across a stack of vintage recipe cards — a huge stack, full of handwritten and typed recipe cards, magazine clippings, recipes from flour sacks and butter boxes. It was a treasure trove, and it inspired me to cook a bunch of these old recipes and share them here. Here’s an archive of all of the Clara Project recipes.
Then, I happened to track down, and meet, the previous owner of these recipes: Clara Shenefelt Williams (her name had been written on many of the cards). I have come to know her lovely daughter, Jan, and have continued to be inspired by Clara’s recipes.
Fast forward to last weekend, when my mom brought over my grandmother Dorothy’s recipe clipping file — another treasure trove of her old favorite recipes.
So I’m thinking: The Dorothy Project?
What do you think? Should I tackle working my way through Dorothy’s old recipes? Let me know if you think this would be fun and you’d follow along!
I think it’s a great idea. Your readers may have your grandmother’s cookbook (I do), but your “spin” would make her recipes a treasure.
Thanks, Belinda! You’re right: Folks may have a copy of Grandma’s “Home Cooking with Dave’s Mom” on hand … I’m thinking she probably included some of the recipes from her clip file in the book.
Of yes. Old meshed with new.
sounds good. be careful as some ingredients may not be available. I had a recipe from an Aunt that required extract of “somthing like butter” that was only available in SC in Thriftway stores. Well, try to find that in Ohio! But I try it. It was Mac and Cheese and actually used a Franco American product, which they no longer make.
Sherrie, you’re right! I’ve found lots of old recipes that call for products that either no longer exist or are different now. For example, an old recipe calling for “sour milk” means buttermilk! I’ll definitely decipher these old ingredients and instructions so you can make the recipes with modern things. Thanks for the comment.
I love this idea, what a way to honor her. I would follow along for sure.
Yes, definitely. You are the only food blogger I follow. Would love to read more recipes from years ago. The noodle recipe from the Clara project is the one my mom used to make. Regretfully I had not asked her to write it down. Now she has dementia so it is lost,
Yes! I originally found you through the Clara Project and loved it !
Great idea! Too often many great recipes are lost forever…Go for it!
I think this sounds interesting. I really like some of the old receipes you have posted.
Definitely yes. Our culture is geared for serials/installments now, and I fondly remember many of us waiting for the next recipe from Clara’s (my mom’s) collection. After talking to you & your mother I tried to buy your grandma’s cookbook, but I was never able to find one. I’d love a chance to see Dorothy’s recipes now.
Hi, Jan! I’m eager to revisit some of Clara’s recipes, too … I’m sure the two collections have a lot of recipes in common, which would be fun to explore. Hugs to you!
I will definitely be following! What a great idea. Thanks for all you do and the inspiration you share.
Thank you, Vicki!
Yes!! Vintage cooking sounds like fun, I’m in. And what a wonderful treasure for you to have.
I would definitely follow this! I loved The Clara Project and made some of the recipes.
Would love for you to share recipes and stories of your grandmother ad her recipes. Saw her many times on the Letterman show and she was a delight. Will never forget her fried bologna sandwiches and the Olympics.
Of course I love the idea. Go for it.
Sounds like a neat idea! I’ve always toyed with the idea of doing the same thing with my mom’s recipes that I inherited years ago. It seems like both fun food thing and a way to recognize your grandmother at the same time.
Sounds exciting and yummy. Loved The Clara Project. I say go for it. I will definitely follow it.
Thanks for all the comments and encouragement — I think The Dorothy Project will have to make a debut soon. Stay tuned!
Can’t wait! Many fond memories of the chicken croquettes, among others in the Clara project. 🙂
I am new to your blog and loving it. Would enjoy following along and seeing how many of the recipes are in my 50 year plus collection.
I think it would be great. I might find a recipe that my grandmother would make. She never used a recipe and never wrote anything down. Loved the Clara project
Joann, grandmothers were notorious for not using recipes, weren’t they?
Yes please!
Yes, sure enjoyed the Clara project.
I’ll follow along! Love these old hand written recipes. They tell a story of the past that should be carried with us into the future.
I think It’s a fantastic idea, and I’d certainly read.
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