By Jim Palmer, Editor/Publisher of Senior Perspective

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Over the years, we have received hundreds of photos for this cookbook (ten are shown on the previous page). Some photos that we have received have been historical, dating back several generations, and others show people preparing, serving or eating food at family or community gatherings. These photos are all nice, and we appreciate them, but the photos that I get the biggest kick out of are the ones that feature a grandparent and their grandchildren at work in the kitchen. There is just something special about these.

I know not everyone has the opportunity to cook or bake with their grandparent, but if you did, I want you to think back to the days when you were in grandma’s or grandpa’s kitchen. Do you remember what you were baking or cooking? Do you remember what it smelled like, what it sounded like, and what it looked like in that kitchen?

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I remember sitting on grandma’s kitchen counter in their little house in Hinckley, helping my grandma mix together the Rice Krispies and marshmallows, and greasing the pan for her Rice Krispie bars. I remember her wiping my hands clean by the sink after we were done. And when I got a little older, I remember her trusting me to chop up carrots for her famous glazed carrots recipe. I also remember the sense of pride I felt when those carrots were passed around the dinner table. And I remember where everyone was sitting during holiday meals. My relatives always sat in the same place.

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If you are a grandparent today, and you haven’t cooked or baked with your grandchildren, I encourage you to put it on your to-do list. While many kids love their devices and technology, they will undoubtedly love spending time with you more... especially if there is a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie involved. 

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And if you and your grandchildren have a special cooking or baking outing this year, I encourage you to have someone take a picture and send it to us. We would love to include it in next year’s book.

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As for this year’s book, it is packed with hundreds of recipes. The book includes some classics like wild rice hotdish and meatloaf, some fun ones like silage salad and pumpkin lefse, and a few really interesting ones like Hungarian Kifli and bean sauerkraut soup. Definitely something for everyone. Thanks for picking up this year’s cookbook. We hope you enjoy it!

A special thanks to all those who helped with this cookbook. This includes everyone who submitted a recipe or photo. Without the recipes, this is just a big scratch pad. And the photos help give the pages a little more life, so thanks for sending those in. Thanks to all the advertisers. Because of their support, we are able to offer the book at most locations for just $4 again this year. Next, thanks to our team, who typed, assembled, proofed, tinkered and proofed again on this cookbook. Helping this year were Jen Bergerson, Jillian Kellerman, Bella Banal, Bud Prescott, Alia Ossmo, Joanne Brown, Amanda Weisel, Kelsey Gilles, Jade Lent, Bernie Farnam, Mike Shaw, Jim Arvidson, Evelyn DeSmet, Michelle Gelinske, Chuck Sterling, Scott Thoma, Mike Schmalz, Dwaine Palmer, Pat Broberg, Joey Ross, Sheila Nepsund and Judy Lund.

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If you have a recipe or photo you would like to submit to the Senior Perspective or for the next cookbook, just send to jen@srperspective.com or mail to Senior Perspective Recipes, P.O. Box 1, Glenwood, MN 56334. If you would like to order more books, go to Page 103.

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