bethk wrote:
I have never understood that mentality of keeping 'secret' recipes. First of all, I've yet to find any recipe that hasn't been made before. Oh, there might be small adaptions made to make it 'your own' but there are billions and billions of cookbooks published with the same basic recipes, and everyone claims the recipe was originated in THEIR family.
Quite honestly, I am honored and pleased whenever anyone asks for one of my recipes. It just proves to me that others have good taste! lol
I know my late mother in law refused to share a recipe she made for Christmas every year. She called it Bavarian Rice. Well, the first time I had it I recognized it immediately. My grandma made it and it was called Glorified Rice....rice, pineapple, nuts and whipped cream. Secret? I think not.
Thousands of people make Easter pies. and Italians all have their favorite recipe's.
Like my Gram would put ricotta in them, and Dad used to holler..."Gee Maa, These darn pies are soppin wet.
Don't put the ricotta cheese next time!"....
My mom made them, and she did a lot of experimentation to get a happy medium.
She had a friend that her family owned a luncheonette across the street. They made the greatest hamburger chili and hot dog chili, and it was just a light brown with no tomato anything.
Her friend never would give a hint to the recipe, and Mom understood that.
Years passed, and the place closed down. There was no desire to reopen the place; the Mom and Pops died, and the brother wanted it no more.
After about 10 years....mom asked her friend again, for the recipe, and she flat out told my mom, "I will take that recipe to the grave, and nobody will EVER Get IT!....
Mom told her to make sure they stuck it ( you get the drift ) before they dump her in the hole in the ground.
Her best friend after that comment, had never called or had spoken to mom ever since.
When my mom was dying on her death bed, at the house, her so called friend came to see her, and was crying.
Mom said cry for yourself, and get the heck out of my house and away from my face. I don't need You or your darn Recipe!