Cook'n Like Mama

About the Book

Have you ever longed for that home cooked meal that Mama used to make? Or have you ever said, if I could only remember how Mama used to bake those cakes or pies? Well now you can, through this book. Cook’n like Mama is easy if you follow the recipes and instructions in this book. It contains two generations of recipes acquired directly from my Mama who got some of them from her Mama, my Grandmother. These recipes are written just as they would have been years ago with the ingredients of their time. Translating such phrases as Oleo, sweet milk, dabs, and pinches and to taste into actual measurements and understandable products of today has been a monumental task. And yes, of course, Mama being the good cook that she was, always left out an item or two so that her recipe could not be duplicated. There is a story in the introduction of this book which tells of someone who actually attempted to do just that. Many times I have been speaking with my mama about cooking an item in this book and she has said, “you need to add another ingredient,” that she did not have written in her recipe book. She would always say in a matter of fact way, “Well you have to have X Y and Z or it won’t taste right.”  It has taken years, but I have finally acquired all of the missing ingredients and secrets, and I am sharing them with you.  This book contains recipes that range from 25 different cakes including Red Velvet Cake; pies, gumbo from scratch; and luscious crab dips. I have attempted to make it as user friendly as possible by giving you simple step by step instructions and measurements with each recipe. Mama is much older now, and her health is failing, but her hope and desire is that the world will continue her legacy of cooking by preparing the recipes in this book.

About the Author

Not being an author by trade, it is somewhat difficult for me to write about myself. I am a multi functional person who has a true love of good home cooking. I lived with a wonderful set of parents who exuded love throughout my life. I was born in Tucson, Arizona son of E.C. and Orbree Dixon. These are actually my aunt and uncle, adoptive parents from birth, but that is a story for another book. I will always refer to them as my parents. As early as I can remember, I was told that I was adopted and that I was truly loved. It was through this love and direction that I have become the person that I am today. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arizona. I currently live in Northern, California with three dogs, Snuggles, Zoey and Jais.  I am happy to say that I am in a loving seven year relationship. Growing up, my life was always filled with food. I love to cook and more than that I love to eat. I was always in the kitchen when my mother was cooking. I licked the spoons more than I care to admit. By being at her side I learned many of the tricks and secrets that I am able to pass along in this book. My life has been wonderful.  I have shared it with many friends and family over the years. Most of those people have experienced the joy of these recipes through dinners and gatherings. As did my mother, and her mother before her, I have kept these recipes a secret. I am now sharing them with you. My wish is that you will enjoy them as much as I have and that they bring joy into your life as they have done in mine.