22 Apr {Recipe Redux} Keepsake tablecloths, a chuppah and a healthy GORP recipe

Our Recipe Redux assignment proved to be an emotional one for me.  Our task was to blog about Treasured Cookware-and to share a story of classic cookware with a healthy recipe to go with it.  Naturally, my thoughts went directly to my Mother and my Grandmother’s keepsakes.   I have Nana’s gorgeous china and stemware sitting comfortably in their china and stemware protectors….having never once been used. I also have Mom’s table linens and napkins stored carefully in the closet and have used them exactly once. 

When Mom died 16 years ago, suffice it to say that I didn’t have the wearwithal to collect any of her belongings before they were all sold or donated. Oh, I wish I could turn back time-for so many reasons.

Stay with me now…and flash forward 9 years. 

When I married, I struggled with how I would incorporate my Mom-and her memory-into our wedding ceremony. One of my siblings gave me Mom’s table linens to help create what’s called a chuppah -a traditional Jewish marriage canopy that symbolizes the home that the couple will build together. Coupled with my my grandfather’s prayer shawl, Mom’s linens created a stunning focal point for the most important day of my life.  

Her napkins were wrapped tightly around the tops of the poles that held the structure together.  It was as though I could feel Mom hugging us as we said our vows.  Surrounded with something from her life-and her kitchen-was truly the best way I could represent her as I took my first steps into the future with my husband.