More Than Just Cooking

The truth is there were no secret ingredients or a secret technique to my grandmother's cooking. The strange thing was there were no exact measurements either. Here is a sample of the recipe for her mechado.

Ingredients: Beef (use the one for pot roast), garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, black pepper, soy sauce, onion, and 1 can tomato sauce, 1-2 laurel leaf, cheese (optional)

Method: slice beef medium thick, marinate beef in vinegar, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic and laurel leaf. Let stand for an hour. Fry one by one until brown.

Sautee garlic, onion, and tomatoes where the beef had been fried. Put in together fried beef, marinating sauce (leftover), and sautéed garlic, onion and tomatoes. Put in a little water. Simmer until tender. Stir occasionally. Cheese optional.

That was it. That was the recipe my mom gave me, and like I said there were no actual measurements. Miraculously, the dish would turn out fine whenever I cook it, with same results even. My Aunt Roberta would say, "It's all in the wrist." I have another theory. It was all in the love and care that you put into it while cooking. It was the realization that what you are doing is not a tedious task, but one that will nourish your husband after a long day's work, or replenish your child's energy after an exhausting day at school, or one that will contribute to the growth of your growing child. It is one simple act that culminates in a plain ceramic bowl with a stainless steel spoon for serving, amidst a table devoid of fine linen, floral arrangements, and candlelight. It might as well be a five-star dining experience when your six-year-old exclaims, "Mom, you're the best cooker in the whole world!" At which point, I cannot help but offer a silent thanks to my beloved Lola Mameng.

IDEAS and TIPS

Grandma's recipes are not just family dishes, they are a testament to your family history. They can be compiled to be handed down from one generation to the next. There are numerous ways to make a "recipe book." You can simply type them up and print them out using a program like Microsoft, and have it bound at Kinko's. You can also apply the crafty methods used by scrapbookers to give it a more personal touch. Materials are plenty at the local craft store and the possibilities are endless. What is important though is that your

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