April 30, 2012 issue
Cookbook served family-style
By Sheldon C. Good Mennonite World ReviewGrowing up in Puerto Rico, Sibyl and Ann enjoyed their mother’s taste for international cuisine — Puerto Rican, Mexican, Indian, Greek.
“Mother experimented; a curry dinner was very common,” Sibyl said.
The Graber matriarch’s diverse choices became themes for bigger family gatherings and, ultimately, menus in the new book.
In addition to the good food, Sibyl remembers sitting down for dinner and sharing stories together, a practice she hopes the book can foster.
Diverse, tasty recipes
Reasons why each of the Grabers likes to cook vary. For Ann it’s a de-stressor; Sibyl said it’s a hobby she enjoys. And for Esther?
“I cook because I’m hungry, and I want a good meal,” she said. “Well, I also cook for my husband, because he enjoys a good meal too. We both like variety.”
The Daily Feast includes that classic Graber diversity, with differing flavors, textures, visual appeal and ease of preparation.
The book grew out of a two-volume three-ring binder collection that Graber assembled for each of her children and was illustrated by her grandchildren.
Just off the press, the book has seen wide appeal. Barnes & Noble has placed the cookbook on their Mother’s Day table in stores nationally. So far the Grabers have scheduled 15 television appearances, two radio interviews and three full-feature newspaper articles.
In addition to tasty recipes, Graber hopes readers discover the joy of family.
“This book is for families, and it’s wonderful for children to be at the table and be able to talk with their parents,” she said. “That’s part of [what] I would like every family to experience.”
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