The quick description: A cookbook containing around 180 recipes (I got three different counts) broken up into 10 sections: Basic Recipes, Starters, Hot Egg Dishes, Fish and Seafood, Sauces, Meat, Vegetables, Dressings, Salads, and Desserts. Why-this-is-a-great-cookbook description: This is a cookbook created with love by my mother and based on a collection of old recipe cards that came her way. In my mother’s words, “This recipe collection has traveled a winding path to end up in my possession. A few years ago, it was given to my sister in Portland… The recipes were stored in two large cardboard file boxes—very heavy… In the end, we counted over 800 recipes—typewritten cards, handwritten cards, notes on scrap paper… There was no question in my mind that these recipes needed to be shared.” She spent months researching the origin of the recipes, making conversions, and deciphering notes. During this time she shared her memories of growing up in Portland, Oregon—including memories of Lipman-Wolfe Department Store where the recipes were used. The author—my mom—is 82. In the months she has been typing, testing, and revising, she has put up with a somewhat undependable typist and technical consultant (me!), a sometimes neglected husband (Dad!), and quite a few solicited or unsolicited advisors. Her stamina and determination to see this through have been phenomenal. Oh, did I mention she’s already thinking about Volume 2?