The Family Recipe
Write an essay detailing a family recipe that has been passed down through generations, focusing on its cultural significance and the memories associated with it. Delve into the origins of the recipe and the changes it has undergone, reflecting the evolution of tastes and circumstances.
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Use one example from your own life.
- Open with a specific story, then widen out to the big idea.
- Write for a curious friend, not an expert.
Writing cooking books
Recipes that work, and a reason to cook them.
Cookbooks and food writing cover everything from a single cuisine to the science of how cooking works. The best ones have a point of view: a voice, a philosophy, a story behind the food.
What readers expect
- Reliable, tested recipes
- A clear point of view
- Stories behind the food
- Beautiful, useful design
A tip before you start
Test every recipe more than once, ideally in someone else's kitchen. Readers forgive a lot, but not a cake that fails.
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- The Generations Old RecipeChoose a recipe that has been passed down in your family for generations. Write about the history of this recipe, including any stories about who…
- Unusual Wine PairingsCreate a guide for pairing wines with unconventional dishes. Experiment with combinations that defy traditional norms, such as pairing a robust red…
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