I’m trying to decide between meatloaf or sausage-scallop linguine, chocolate chip cookies or zucchini bread.
Or, let’s see, there’s red velvet cake, hot wings, fried rice, stuffed peppers and of course, Jim’s New York cheesecake.
No, the Sextons are not opening a restaurant, although we’ve toyed with the thought. The White River Education Foundation leaders are putting together a cookbook to benefit its programs and we’ve been asked to submit one of our favorite recipes.
White River School District Superintendent Janel Keating and administrative secretary Meagan Rhoades are rounding up submissions for a community cookbook they are putting together to benefit the Foundation.
We love to cook at our house. Cooking and a cause like education hits home for us.
The White River Education Foundation provides support to White River students seeking post-high school education. One of the neat things the foundation does each year is pay for every junior to take the PSAT at White River High.
But, the beauty of this cookbook is they aren’t just looking for my recipe, they want anyone in the community to share a recipe and they’re really looking for the story that goes along with it.
The Black Diamond Elementary School recently put one together. Principal Geri Garton graciously gave each of us on a recent tour a copy. It’s filled with mouth-watering morsels from staff and community members like School Board Member Tina McGann’s peanut butter fudge.
I also have one from a number of years ago called Mountain Cookery Too, published by the Greenwater Volunteer Fire Department. We also have cookbooks from the Washington State Dairy Women, filled with recipes from familiar faces, Sacred Heart Church, and my absolute favorite, The Walla Walla Italian Heritage Association Cookbook.
Cookbooks are a great way to raise money for a great cause. They allow the community to get involved. It’s fun to share and if it’s for an educational group like the foundation, think of all the math families can practice together by mixing up a recipe.
The foundation is looking for contributors to provide their name, address, phone or e-mail. Submissions should also include the recipe name and originator of the recipe if it is different from the contributor.
It would also be nice to include the recipe’s history. In our home, most recipes have either a story, a special memory or both.
For example, the sausage and scallop linguine mentioned earlier was something Jim and I savored at a four-diamond inn in Vermount on our honeymoon. We enjoyed it so much, we went home and perfected it. It’s always a big hit when we serve it. The mushrooms, spinach pasta and sun-dried tomatoes give it an edge.
But I digress.
Of course, the recipe should include ingredients and quantities, cooking instructions, prep time, the number of people it serves and tips and advice.
Janel and Meagan would love it if it included a photograph, a copy of the original recipe card or any awards won.
Recipes can be sent to White River School District, P.O. Box 2050, Buckley, 98321, attn: Meagan Rhoades, or e-mail to: WREF.contact@gmail.com, or hand deliver them to the district office on “A” Street in Buckley.
Bon appetit!
