Ferndale Seniors Host Taste Fest

To Launch Senior Cook Book

(Crystal A. Proxmire)

The Ferndale Seniors held a Taste Fest fundraiser at the Ferndale Public Library on Oct.27, 2010 to celebrate the release of their new Senior Cook Book.  There were tables of food and a chance to talk about the recipes provided by Ferndale’s most active elders.

The book contains many unique recipes like “Wacky Cake” from Virginia Saxton, who got the recipe from her grandmother who had written in on the back of their sewer bill receipt, which was $1.00 at the time.  There is also one for Russian teacakes from Dorothy Gafke who used to make them with her mother.  President Davis also contributed to the collection – with a top secret family recipe  for Buttermilk pie that she extracted from her daughter in law with the promise never to reveal it to any one else.

The project brought the Seniors together for several months of work.  “Don DeCenzo, our vice president, dreamed up the idea of the cookbook a year ago,” Davis said. “We knew we wouldn’t make any money from this, and decided to do it as a nice thing for us to have. He set up a committee, and they spread out, obtaining recipes from the ladies.

“They asked for a little story or comment to go with the recipe. Like, when that particular dish was served, who they got it from etc. Then, they took pictures of all the donors, thus making the cookbook very personal. After the recipes were entered into the computer, Don set to work assembling everything on the pages, stories, photos, and graphics.

“He priced having it printed and bound, and brought this info to the board, and we made the decision that it was too expensive, we would have had to sell the book for $20 just to break even. So, we decided to print the pages, buy the binders, and do the assembly ourselves. Don even purchased plastic sleeves so the pages would remain clean. A crew gathered and the book was assembled.

We were so pleased when we saw the finished product at last! It is so bright and colorful. I had already had the idea of launching the book with a taste fest, so, we set to work arranging this,” Davis said.   DeCenzo handled the details of the launch party, which packed the double room at the library.  The seniors dressed in black and white for the occasion, and many active Ferndalians came out to get their copy of the book.

For a large listing of Ferndale area events, be sure to check our Event Page.  Thank you to Western Market for being the sponsor of our Newbie Foodie section.  We are also currently seeking sponsors.  To download a rate card click here.

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