Julie Badger Jensen - The Essential Mormon Cookbook: Green Jell-O, Funeral Potatoes, and Other Secret Combinations

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of spending time in the kitchen with my mother preparing meals and then gathering with the family around the table. On Sundays, Dad often shared stories from the scriptures, and we always gave thanks.

Church gatherings, potluck dinners, neighborhood picnics, and holiday celebrations were all a happy part of our lives. The connections between food and the seasons seemed strong as neighbors shared the harvest, gathered together for seasonal celebrations, or gave service to one another. All are cherished memories.

Throughout the seasons, numerous holidays, family events, and other occasions call for rejoicing.

In spring, we celebrate glorious Easter and find wonder in the earth as it comes to life... nodding tulips, lavender lilacs, and happy laughter. We savor the heavenly aroma of hot rolls and glazed ham.

Summer is splashed with golden sunshine, afternoon swims, hikes by mountain streams, sizzling barbecues, pioneer picnics, and fireworks. We enjoy dear neighbors, happy graduations, patriotic parades, Church potlucks, and heartfelt homecomings.

In autumn, peace is found in home and harvest and gratitude felt as heads bow together around the Thanksgiving table.

Then, in winter, sweet smells and festive foods brighten the cold days as we anticipate cozy Christmas Eves and merry Christmas mornings.

The genesis of The Essential Mormon Cookbook and its sequel, Essential Mormon Celebrations , occurred when I was eight years old and began my recipe collection with the entry of Lovable Lime Jell-O. The original remains in my recipe box today. The tattered edges, yellowed paper, and childish wording remind me of how long and how much I have loved cooking and sharing recipes and meals. Within these pages, you will find a lifetime of treasured recipes. They range from pioneer family heirlooms to current favorites. The influence of diverse Mormon ancestral roots, of missions to intriguing foreign lands, and of generous neighbors of other faiths has added richness to the collection. Written to gladden the heart, this book is meant to strengthen families and friendships and to encourage and inspire both new and seasoned cooks with confidence in their own abilities and creativity and to celebrate the good things which come of the earth in the season thereof (D&C 59:1718). Reflected in these pages is the heart and soul of Mormon living.

Warm appreciation is expressed to Deseret Book, especially Sheri Dew, Jana Erickson, Tony Benjamin, Janna DeVore, Jack Lyon, Lisa Mangum, Laurie Cook, Kent Minson, and Angie Godfrey for their work on the original two books. Thanks also for those who worked on the combined edition: Liz Alley, Carly Springer, Derk Koldewyn, Rachael Ward, Richard Erickson, and Kayla Hackett. Thanks go to Sheryl Smith for the original cover designs and artwork and Kayla Hackett for the combined edition cover.

Special thanks is expressed to Stephanie and Christopher Dansie, our daughter and her husband, for cheerful technical assistance throughout the creation of these books. Heartfelt thanks to my loving husband and cherished family for priceless encouragement and help in many ways.