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Why This Might Be Worth Writing About
Some memories live in the kitchen, in a favorite dish that always meant “home.”
Others are stitched into a quilt, painted on a canvas, or told in a well-worn story.
Maybe it’s your grandmother’s biscuits, your mom’s holiday fudge, your dad’s hand-carved birdhouse, or a tradition you started yourself.
What matters most is the meaning behind it — the person, the moment, and the care that went into making it.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Begin…
✨ Even if you’ve never made it yourself, write down the story behind it.That’s how family history and traditions live on — through the meaning, not just the method.
Not a Cook? Try These Instead
If recipes aren’t your thing, think about other creations worth passing down:
🧵 A quilt, scarf or piece of clothing you (or someone in your family) made
✏️ A poem, song, or story
🔨 A piece of furniture or a handmade toy
🎨 A painting, drawing, or craft
📜 A family saying, blessing, or joke everyone remembers
🎶 A “signature” playlist, mixtape, or song you’ve always loved
🎄 A holiday decoration or tradition you started
📷 A photo album, scrapbook, or memory box
💡 The goal is to capture the story behind it – who made it, why it mattered, and what it says about your family or your life.
My Life, One Story at a Time
When I was in high school, before I became a mom, I discovered a delicious dip that quickly became a favorite with tortilla chips. Honestly, I think I’ve been a “dip person” my whole life. Chips, veggies, fruit — if I can dip it, I’m happy. I don’t remember exactly where I learned the recipe, but it was so easy, and everyone loved it. My younger cousin even used it for a school presentation once. She called it “Kari’s Dip,” and I still wonder if she makes it for her kids now.
It’s so simple I almost feel silly calling it a recipe, but here it is — just three ingredients:
〰️ 1 block of cream cheese
〰️ 1 can of chili with beans
〰️ Finely shredded cheddar cheese
I like to make it in two glass pie plates — one to eat now, one for later. Soften the cream cheese and split it in half, spreading each half onto the bottom of a pie plate. Spread half the can of chili on top of each, then bake at about 350–370°F for 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake just until it melts. That’s it. Be careful — it’s piping hot — but it’s perfect with a pile of tortilla chips.
These days, I sometimes take the lazy route and microwave it (covered, to avoid a chili explosion). And even though it’s been around since the late ’80s or early ’90s, I’ve noticed versions of it popping up on Facebook. So maybe it’s not unique anymore, but it’s still part of my history.
My son has his own list of my “greatest hits” in the kitchen — homemade pretzels, taco salad, Christmas goodies, and lasagna (even the one time I forgot the beef). I hope to create more things for my grandkids to remember me by. I’ve turned out to be pretty crafty, so maybe it won’t be a recipe they think of first. But I like to think that, just like my grandma, I’ll be remembered for the little things I made with love.
Share Your Prompted Story
Want to respond to this prompt (even just a few lines)? I’d love to feature it in a future post or newsletter!
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Explore Other Stories in the Series
Looking Ahead
I’ll be back next week with another prompt to spark your memories.
It might be a question, a moment, or a detail you haven’t thought about in years — and you never know where it might take you.
Until then, keep writing, even if it’s just a few sentences.
The smallest memories often grow into the stories that matter most.
With Love,
Kari 💚
