In 1989, we were looking for a personal, inexpensive holiday gift for our family and friends.  We decided to publish a cookbook of our favorite recipes.  For those of you who weren’t lucky enough to receive the original Rehfwitz Cookbook, here’s a description:  It was typed using Ashton Tate’s Framework (oh the memories!) and printed on the kind of computer paper that had holes running down the side, in the generic “computer” font that was ubiquitous in the 80’s.  We had it copied at the local copy shop (one-sided) and then punched a single hole in the upper left corner of each page and fastened the pages together with those silver rings you can buy at office supply stores.  Mine doesn’t have a cover, but as I recall we spelled “Rehfwitz Cookbook” ransom-note-style using letters cut from newspapers and magazines.  This was copied onto card stock and fastened using the above-described ring-and-hole method.

The following year we decided to try the same thing again, but with a collaborative twist.  In the fall, we asked people to submit recipes for the 1990 version of what was known from then on as the Rehfwitz (and Friends) Cookbook.  That year, and for the three years that followed, we had a wonderful time collecting and compiling recipes from our favorite people (and their favorite people) from all over the world.  With each year, the appearance of the books improved.  We took a giant aesthetic leap forward with the 1991 edition when Michael Rehfus took over the books’ design.

We can honestly say that these five books are in constant use in our kitchen.  Not only are they a dependable source of varied, tested recipes, but when we use them we feel connected to the people who are dear to us.  Sadly, some of the contributors have passed away or otherwise moved out of our lives.  We feel fortunate to have a tangible everyday reminder of them.

For years, we have talked about putting “The Cookbook” online.  Like so many other projects, this one has repeatedly slipped to the bottom of the to-do list, but thanks to a class assignment, it’s becoming a reality.  We hope that this 21st-Century version of the Rehfwitz Cookbook will turn out to be as useful and as much fun as the paper versions.  We’re looking forward to taking this journey with all of you!

Gastronomically Yours,

Patty and Keith