I have a wood recipe box that looks similar to the one in the picture. It was a gift at my wedding shower. Apparently, recipe boxes (or to use the term in in the old ad, “recipe cabinets”) have been considered good shower gifts for at least a hundred years. I wonder if brides today receive recipe boxes. I’m guessing not.
My recipe box and the cards in it are well worn. I’ve pulled recipes out of it on a regular basis for many years. It contains many special recipes that I got from my mother, mother-in-law, friends, and relatives. Each brings back lovely memories. My recipe box is not a Fannie Farmer one. It says on the bottom of my box that it is a Woodcroftery product.
I got one too! But mine was for my wedding shower and all my friends and relatives wrote their special recipes on cards and put them in the box! I still have the box and most of the recipes – even the 3 Bean Salad recipe from my MIL!! This is a recipe that her family refused to eat and when fed to the dog made the dog sick. I was unsure if this was a passive-aggressive move or just funny or if it really was her favorite recipe… I offered to share it with Sparky’s siblings but there were zero takers!!
What a fun story! You haven’t offered to share the 3 Bean Salad recipe with me, but if you ever do I’m going to pass. 🙂
Hahaha! You and the rest of the world! I keep it for the nostalgia factor…
I still have my mother’s. It’s unmarked, and it has fewer dividers, but when I found it after her death, it still had recipes for several things I loved as a child — including her refrigerator rolls. Slowly, over time, I’ve added cards with some one my own favorites. There’s something about having a hard copy that feels so much better than reading a recipe off the computer.
I agree! I still make make recipes that are hard copy.
I agree that brides today probably do not receive recipe boxes as wedding/shower gifts. Yours looks well-used and well-loved!
I believe “many”, even “most” works better in the sentiment of not receiving recipe boxes. My bride got a new one, with a few cards in it from my Mom’s recipes. I have a niece that also was given one.
I’m going to set up one with old family recipes as well as our favorites. Woo Hoo! Now I want to search for old recipe boxes. hahaha
It sounds like fun to search for old recipe boxes. I love to go to vintage stores and flea markets.
I’ve definitely used the recipes in my box a lot over the years. Many of my favorite recipes are in that box.
I love how well-used and organized your wooden recipe box looks. A lot of love tucked in between those dividers!
How true that a lot of love is tucked in between those dividers.
It is still a great wedding shower gift. At my daughter’s shower, I asked everyone to bring their favorite recipe or two, handwritten with their name, on a 3 X 5 card, and we placed them all in the box as the shower went on, each with a delightful story or two. What a lovely memory, and one of her prized possessions now.
What a lovely way to create a memorable gift that will be valued and used.
Recipes on cards in your mother’s (or grandmother’s ) handwriting can be such a gift. Especially after they are gone.
Handwritten recipes are so special. Some of the folded sheets of paper in my recipe box contain handwritten recipes that my mother-in-law gave me. Whenever I complimented her on a dish, the next time I saw her, she’d give me the recipe. I got some really good recipes that way.
what a fabulous box! So useful and attractive.
cheers
Sherry
A lot of my favorite recipes are in my recipe box.
I like that it includes recipes, as long as you like them. I used an old file box, but I really like the idea of everyone donating a favorite recipe. I agree, see Mom’s handwriting on a recipe is special.
I also really like the idea of everyone donating a favorite recipe. It’s a great way for a new cook to instantly get a great repertoire of recipes.
This post and the comments brought happy tears to my eyes! Especially loved the wonderful idea of the Recipe Box with hand-written recipes; this could be used for many occasions (I have a great-niece who is nearing graduation). Thanks to all for the trip down memory lane : )
I agree – I also love the idea of the recipe box with hand written recipes. I’ve learned so much from my readers over the years.
I inherited mine from my Great-aunt Hazel. Seeing her handwriting always brings happy memories back.
Old handwritten recipes are so special.