Let me tell you about this Dinner Tale. It all started on Thanksgiving day when I was in the kitchen just doing my holiday cooking thing. I do the same thing every time. The menu varies very little. I never start a day ahead with any of the preparations (not even the deserts) and after so many years, I have it down to an exact science. I start about 6:30AM and serve at about 12:30 PM.
This year I added a component. To tell you the truth, I'm ready for some one to take over this holiday cooking thing and that inspired me to give them a way to do so. I used my Canon Power Shot G9 in movie mode and while I didn't video the whole 6 hour event (I know they are glad about that), I just picked up the camera ever so often and told what I had done and went around the kitchen and talked about the progress of each dish. I even showed and talked about the serving dishes and their history. In most cases, which grandmother or great grandmother had passed them down to me.
Another fun thing I did was when each one arrived, I picked up the camera and started rolling. They all thought I was taking a picture and gave such cute posed smiles. A couple didn't want their picture taken and I just said OK but kept rolling. Then when dinner was served, I recorded all the banter that happens as they all come to the table. You know, whose gonna sit where and who has a favorite spot to sit every time and what's that, etc etc etc.
I can't tell you what a special memory this turned out to be. I edited the video, added music, a little more narration, and pulled still shots from the video to design the DVD cover with. Then I typed up all the recipes. I printed them on a 12 X 12 sheet of card stock and using information from Zorana's workshop, I put together a little cookbook that accompanied the DVD.
Everybody and I mean everybody received this as one of their Christmas presents. It didn't matter to me if they liked it or not. I just hoped that some day when they wondered how "she" did that, at least one of them will remember and still have the DVD and watch it.
And that's my dinner tale.
How Precious!!!! Such a creative approach to passing on the tradition...LOL! I wish I was a family member....it would have been such fun to see you prepare your feast:D Love the whole thing Sharon! hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteYou are just amazing! What a great idea! I wish my mother had been able to do this for our family. I'm sure that every member of your family will cherish this video!
ReplyDeleteThe BEST idea!!!! I can't figure out how you accomplish all that you do Sharon...mind boggling:)
ReplyDeleteYou are one smart cookie! I am guessing everyone was delighted and will be again every time they view this in the future. Neither of my grown married daughters has EVER cooked a T'giving dinner, they are either with us or at the in-laws. I think it is about time they had a go at it.
ReplyDeleteDarla
This is a great idea, I have so many CD's and DVD's that will be given to my kids, this was a great share and I might be a copy cat at some point and do this, Hugs, mary
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!!! Haha! Love that idea!
ReplyDeleteha ha ha ha ha that is just about the best thing I have ever heard!!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteSharon what a fabulous idea...I bet everyone loved it. This tradition of yours will never be lost now.
ReplyDeleteJacky xox
I can't think of a nicer more thoughtful gift, it moves me a great deal to read this, as I know often familyhas no idea of what it is to prepare a dinner of the Thanksgiving kind. YOu may not feel qauitel like I do about it, as that one year I broke myleg right after I wished I didn'thave to do it and then I was mad because I couldn't do it. But the recipes and the actions and you talking just the best for them.
ReplyDeleteYou know even yet after all these years I wish for that time with family you have given them that time for always. (Sniffleing here).
I have been meaning to tellyou this, that after the first weeks of class, class that you do, and there are no more videos, or emails that are new it is hard to come down from that, hard to not have these new things to do, read and see each day. I miss that a lot.
I am not good on Twitter I can't say a little, and I can't push the like button I have to speak.
what a beautiful gift!!!! love that idea, and Im sure they will treasure it forever:O) Thanks for sharing:O)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog.Not only are you incredibly talented you are also incredibly funny.
ReplyDeleteSharon....This IS a brilliant idea!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure I could carry it off....I'm just not that 'techy' but I LOVE that you did it. Bet they have no idea just what a precious person you REALLY are!!! pat
What a very special and unique gift you gave your family. I am going to tuck this away in my memory. What a great idea!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a really sweet thing to do!:)
ReplyDeleteOh,,I am so impressed with all your hard work on such a precious idea. Wow, and so very special. What a blessed group to each receive such a unique gift made with love! dix---
ReplyDeleteNow this is the best gift idea I have heard of in a long, long time. To be given the recipes, and a demo- plus to have the actual day of celebration recorded-this is the kind of gift that will simply become more valuable as time passes.
ReplyDeleteI hope someone got the hint though, to help out- maybe even take over!
jenny
p.s., if I have sent two messages that are similar, I am sorry. I couldn't tell if the first went through!
ReplyDeletejenny
Good for you!!! There comes a time when you need to pass the torch!!! That's what I tell my kids!! Wonderful creative idea and a very special tribute to the legacy of your dinner!! Kudos to you!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles