I have lived in the Joplin, Missouri area most of my adult life, being raised in the Webb City - Purcell - Alba area. As a child, I grew up with many old time recipes and some great country cooks, including my mother. I will never forget the best homemade grape juice and jellies that my mother made from the grapes we grew on our acreage in Purcell, Missouri. She is still a great cook today.

  My husband John grew up in Seneca, Missouri. When we married, that created another abundance of recipes, that were his favorites, to add to mine. His mother was a great cook as well.

  We have entertained friends, family, and co-workers for many years with many of the recipes that are printed in this book.

  I have decided to publish several cookbooks, starting with "Handed Down and Passed Around, A Culinary Journey" as book 1.

  Future books at this date will be: "Handed Down and Passed Around, A Culinary Journey, Book 2", -- "Handed Down and Passed Around, I'll Bring the Desert", -- "Handed Down and Passed Around, Tips and Helpful Hints".

  The sharing of favorite recipes has truly been a time-honored custom between families, friends, and anyone who enjoys cooking and collecting recipes and cookbooks.

  Some recipes may sound just terrible to some, but may turn out to be another's favorite. Most recipes deserve to be tried at least once to see if there is any merit in trying it again.

  In this book you will find a good variety for simple entertaining and good ole family get togethers.

  Variations of some recipes are always being done in order to satisfy individual tastes.

  Although these recipes probably haven't been laboratory tested, they're merit has certainly been established by our family, friends, and co-workers.