Local cookbook author Chad Thilborger will be at The Atlantic Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday discussing his new book, Whole Heap of Goodness.
Like most Floridians, Thilborger is a transplant. And like most transplants, though he loves his adopted home, he cherishes memories of his old one, carrying on little traditions to help keep those memories fresh and alive.
Whole Heap of Goodness is more than just a cookbook to Thilborger. It's a collection of warm family memories all made in the heart of the home: the kitchen.
"For me, food is about making time, not four-star meals," says Thilborger. "I don't claim to be a foodie or a chef. I'm about togetherness."
Thilborger set about capturing his family's collective cooking memories while on a trip home to visit his grandmother, Maw Maw. With not much more than an elementary school education, Maw Maw cooked by instinct, adding a handful of this or that to her pot.
"In lieu of a birthday card one year, she attempted to send me a recipe for her biscuits because they were my favorite thing. She tried to draw the recipe for me. It's my most prized possession. Burn down my house -- as long as I have that, I'm OK."
Like a lot of families, Thilbroger's memories of home, loved ones, and childhood surround the meals they ate together. His book is filled with old Southern dishes, Cajun cuisine, and memories of home and family that anyone can relate to. It is Thilborger's hope that readers will not only feel that sense of home and family when they read his recipes, but, in turn, will use them to cook meals and create memories of their own.
"It's something that's priceless to me, and to be able to share that with people is frightening and exhilarating."
Thilborger will share his memories and recipes in person Wednesday at the Atlantic Spa and Resort, 601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free. purchase a copy of "Whole Heap of Goodness" at Thilborger's website, awholeheap.com.
Please RSVP to the event by calling 954-567-8070.
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