Confessions of a Mennonite Girl Who Can Cook

Over the past months as we've chatted about how and when to close the cooking blog, I've been reminded of the wonderful memories collected over these 10 years. I'm sure each one of us MGCC has had at least one moment at the computer, getting teary eyed about another "last" because the whole experience has been such an unexpected blessing and gift.

I think back ten, eleven years ago, checking out Lovella's personal blog where she sometimes posted recipes, being in awe of her creativity in how she shared her life. When I was given the opportunity to join in an actual recipe blog, I was really quite taken back. Honestly, afraid of learning how, since I had no idea how to start. Yet, I was drawn ... and I've never regretted it for one minute.

One thing I quickly learned was that I needed to get a set of measuring spoons. When I learned to cook in my mother's kitchen, she simply showed me what  a tablespoon, a teaspoon or a 1/4 teaspoon looked like in the palm of my hand. And why use a "bundle of spoons" when you can pull out a regular spoon? I also had to remember to count the cups of flour that went into my yeast baking, such as buns, cinnamon rolls etc. Simply saying to add flour until the dough feels right would be just like the Mennonite recipe book I already had!

Needless to say, the blog evolved, all of us helping and cheering each other on. When the first comments came in, they were us, talking to each other, unaware that soon there would be many others. It did not take long, we started talking and planning via a joint email account. One person would start the day and the rest would join ... we laughed, we cried, we shared our desires and dreams. This group became the kind of friends to me I wish everyone had. A safe place to learn. I have grown and have learned so much from the examples of these dear friends and how they handle life, the sad and the happy.

Along with focusing on the basics, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge to do food photography, often with the camera in one hand and a spoon in the other. I liked to imagine what steps readers would want to see or just what might inspire them. I enjoyed pairing photos up with recipes, always reaching out for the right wording, then the gratification of getting it done and the anticipation of publishing. All of this leading to a cookbook or two, no three ... truly a far-out dream come true!

So many surprises came along the way! You, our readers, rejoiced with us as ways to raise money for orphans, widows and needy children came about through published cookbooks, sharing our story at women's events and  cooking classes. We accepted invitations to Global News, CTV breakfast television, Hundred Huntley, book signing tours that took us across Canada, to Virginia and other states and finally the trip to Ohio and Indiana see a play named Mennonite Girls Can Cook! Not being one to take big chances, I've often wondered what I would have done had I known ahead.

It would have seemed too lofty a plan. And yet, I realize that God has given me the desires of my heart, in ways beyond me, to share the love of cooking for our families and hospitality with the next generation. Our hearts and hands have been open and God has filled them to pass on.

As we have together decided that now is a good time to "wrap it up" I realize that the term helps me to think of it in a positive way. We are wrapping up a gift we've been given... may it continue to be passed on encourage and bless.

In the meantime I know that my H will enjoy the plate of food that has not been photographed before he can eat ... and I, like a true Mennonite Girl, will enjoy not using measuring spoons or counting my cups of flour, unless absolutely necessary, nor having to be concerned about poor lighting. I will enjoy trying the many recipes on the blog I've wanted to try - not needing to focus on the next recipe to post. And these are my true confessions today - a mix of joy bubbling over for what has been and, as well, for what will be.

(Written with thanks to all who have been a part of this journey)