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Clapping her hands together, she said, “All right, I found three things for you. One is my Aunt Talia’s cookbook, which is entirely handwritten. The writing is pretty faded, but you should be able to make out several recipes. Even if you can’t, though, it’s neat to see something so old.”
“Wow, so she’d be my great-aunt, then.”
“Yep. She died before you were born, but she would have loved you. She adored cooking and was the family baker. She made pies and cakes right up until she died; it was a passion for her.”
“Must be hereditary.”
“Indeed,” her mom said. She touched the thick cookbook with a red gingham cover. “This one was Mom’s and was given to her when she mated my father. She never really liked following recipes to the letter, she liked to experiment, so there are her handwritten notes all over the place.”
That was the book China had asked her mom to find. She’d used it as a kid when she was first learning to cook with Grandma Alice, and when she’d passed away, her mom had kept the book for China for safekeeping. When China had accepted the catering job, she knew just the recipe to use—one in that cookbook.
“It’s perfect,” China said.
Her mom touched the top of a faded hat box. “I found this in the attic the other day when I was looking for my winter clothes. I totally forgot about it.”
China lifted the lid. The interior was stuffed with handwritten cards, scraps of paper, and newspaper clippings with recipes. “Oh wow, this is great!”
“I thought you’d enjoy it. Fair warning, your Grandma Eugenia was known to clip any and all recipes she came across whether she thought she’d make them or not, so there’s no telling what’s in there.”
“I can’t wait to go through everything.” She gave her mom a hug. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. Where are you off to now?”
“To Tails to make a tasting menu for the party.” She’d asked Titus and Duke if she could use the commercial kitchen in the bar to cook for the party and they’d happily agreed, so long as she shared the food.
China gathered the two books and her mom carried the hatbox. “What’s on the menu?”
“The party’s theme is a luau, because her favorite place to go on vacation is Hawaii. I picked Grandma Alice’s pineapple glazed ham, baked sweet potatoes, and pineapple coleslaw. I’ve got mango salsa with fresh chips and fruit skewers for appetizers, and for dessert she asked for cupcakes, and I found a recipe online for ones that are flavored like pina coladas and decorated with little pineapple wedges.”
“Sounds adorable. The ham will be a big hit, I’m sure. It’s delicious.”
“That’s why I wanted to make the recipe,” China said. “I always loved it.”
“Let me know how the tasting goes,” she said.
China opened her car door and set the books on the passenger seat, then took the box of recipes from her mom. Giving her another hug, she thanked her.
“I’ll let you know. Thanks for everything.”
“You’re very welcome, honey.”
They said goodbye and China got into the car, started the engine, and backed out of her parents’ drive. She waved at her mom and drove off, heading for Tails. She had a couple hours of cooking ahead of her. The birthday girl, her daughter, and her daughter’s mate were meeting at Tails at four to taste the meal.
As excitement bloomed within her, she used the navigation screen to call Oz.
“Hey baby,” he said. “Did you get what you need from your mom?”
“You bet. Plus, she gave me a box of my dad’s mom’s recipes too, which is too cool. I have to stop at the grocery and get the stuff I need for the ham. Do you want anything?”
“Nah. Just a plate of your awesome food when you’re finished. The question is, do you need help?”
“Nope, I’ve got it covered.”
“I’m finishing applying a coat of varnish to your mom’s cabinets and then I’ll be over to the bar to lend a hand if you need one. I know you’ve got it, though.”
“Thanks. I’m so excited.”
“Me too. You’ll be great.”
