As part of their 160th anniversary next year, the Wellesley North-Easthope Agricultural Society is calling for submissions of recipes for an anniversary cookbook. As far as organizers can tell, it’s the first cookbook of its type in the township’s long history.
“I’m sure it’s been done by different churches and other groups, but we’re really aiming for a township-wide one,” said Wendy Richardson.
Richardson, along with Gillian Nagy, has just started work on the project and said it was born out of necessity. When Nagy had a friend from Scotland visit earlier this year, they wanted to bring home a cookbook to share all the recipes that used maple syrup, apples, and other food that the region is known for, yet they couldn’t find any.
So the pair brought the idea for the book to the fair board and got the green light to pursue it. They’re hoping for some 200 recipes, ranging from appetizers and desserts to soups, sauces and side dishes, and covering a wide range of generations, from modern twists on old favourites to tried-and-true recipes that have been passed down through the generations, and they are aiming the book at “everyday cooks.”
“Some old Mennonite recipes would be wonderful. We’re looking for some heritage, but some new ones as well,” said Richardson.
“I personally like ones that use a cake mix as a base, and you build upon them.”
While it is still in the planning stages, they expect the book to sell for between $12 and $15 dollars, and it will be ready in time for their anniversary celebration next year. A portion of all the proceeds will also benefit the Children’s Summer Literacy Program at the three regional libraries in the township, as well as the Agricultural Society.
Anyone interested in participating can offer as many recipes as they would like, and submissions are due by June 30 in order to give the women time to proof-read and organize the recipes, then send them off to the printer.
Submission forms can be found throughout the township, including Pym’s Village Market and The Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley, Len’s Mill Store in Hawkesville, The Corner Store in Linwood, Foodland in St. Clements, Stemmlers Meats in Heidelberg, the Wellesley Township offices in Crosshill, and the regional libraries in Wellesley, Linwood and St. Clements.
You can also email Richardson directly, wrichardson@cwisp.ca.
