How to create a family cookbook
It made me
Very proud of myself 
"One of the best things I did this year was create an heirloom cookbook that is personal, unique, and very special."
How I did it:
I've been taking photos of food that I make for a long time. I used my own photos, photos of family members, and stories with family recipes.
This took me two weeks of continual full time work.
Lessons & tips:
- Take pictures of foods that you make as you go along.
- Pay attention to the presentation.
- Make it look appetizing!
- Don't use a flash. Shiny and shadowy food never looks tasty.
- If a food isn't pretty, simply take photos of the ingredients or add garnish to spruce it up.
- Realize this takes a lot of time. Don't put tons of pressure on yourself.
- After you cook something new make a page for the new recipe so your book can be completed over time.
- Put family stories in to personalize it.
- If you have certain foods at certain events write about that. Write about what it reminds you of.
- Incorporate photos of family members enjoying the foods or of the people that gave you the recipes.
- Edit for errors & consistency.
- If you want to go all out, add a family tree in the back to create a special keepsake
- Be prepared to really awe people - this is such a unique, thoughtful, and special gift.
- This would be really ideal for a bridal shower or special anniversary.
Resources: The website Blurb was particularly helpful, although it also helps to personalize it by using your own layouts.
If you are less artistic I recommend Tastebook, where you can also incorporate your own photos.
