Eastern Iowa Farmer Fall 2020

country cookbooks
contains cookbooks dating back to the early
1800s and includes favorites from Iowa businesses
such as the Machine Shed and Quaker
Oats.
Here in Eastern Iowa, people’s culinary libraries
include cookbooks from local churches
or community organizations that sell cookbooks
as fundraisers. These texts often incorporate
a mixture of history, household tidbits,
along with grandma’s chocolate cake recipe,
and are a great way to increase revenue for
non-profits.
In the case of the North Bend Community
Center in Spragueville, producing a cookbook
not only provided a much-needed financial
boost, it also was a way to bring the members
of the group together.
“The cookbook was easy for all of the
members of North Bend to get involved in,”
said Sandy Sander, secretary for the community
center. “It is something anyone can do. Everyone
can share a recipe; it doesn’t matter your
age or ability.”
Groups throughout Clinton and Jackson counties,
including some ambitious families, have
published cookbooks full of recipes submitted
by their members, and these recipes help tell the
stories of rural communities. Many cookbooks
have a preface that details the organization
itself and the members who helped establish it.
In some cases, the recipes’ originators provide
commentary about their dish, offer parings, or
just tell the tale of where it has been served.
“Recipes represent sharing something with
one another,” Sander said. “It helps you to get
to know your neighbors and community members
better because food is a great way to bring
people together.”
One of the most common places to gather
around food and swap recipes tends to be the
famous Midwestern potluck. These gatherings
represent the best of everyone’s kitchens and
folks attending look forward to their favorite
neighborhood dishes. Count on gallons of potato
salad and pies with flakey hand rolled crusts
along with regional favorites like turkey and
dressing sandwiches.
The menus at these gatherings are steeped
in tradition and contain foods with simple ingredients
found in most people’s pantries. That
is because they have their roots in Iowa farm
Sandy Sander’s bookshelf
in her apartment houses a
variety of her favorite cookbooks.
The CPA.
Never Underestimate the Value.
www.mgmaccountants.com
Maquoketa 563-652-5143
Clinton 563-243-0280
Savanna 815-273-2315
eifarmer.com fall 2020 | Eastern Iowa Farmer 117