Preserving Your Grandmother's Recipes: A Legacy Project

Your grandmother's recipe box isn't just a collection of dishes—it's a time capsule. Each card tells a story: where she learned it, who she cooked it for, the adjustments she made over the years. Preserving these recipes is preserving her.

Start with Stories

Before you digitize, sit down with family members. Ask about the recipes. "When did Grandma make this?" "Who taught her?" "What's the story behind this dish?" These anecdotes are as important as the ingredients. Add them as notes in your digital cookbook.

Preserve the Original

Don't just type the recipe—scan the original card. The handwriting, the stains, the notes in the margins—they're all part of the recipe's history. KeepTheDish lets you keep both: the clean, editable text and the high-resolution image of the original side-by-side.

Test and Document

Some recipes have "secret ingredients" that weren't written down. Others have measurements that need interpretation ("a pinch" or "until it looks right"). Cook the recipes with family members who remember. Document these nuances. Future generations will thank you.

Share the Legacy

Once digitized, share the collection with the whole family. Print copies for siblings and cousins. Create a special edition for grandchildren. Make sure everyone has access to these recipes so they can continue the tradition.