From Dill to Dracula

{Rest in peace, grandma}

At the end of April, my family lost a very special woman, one of two who inspired this blog and cookbook, my paternal grandmother. Her recipes fill these virtual and paper pages, her memory fills our hearts, and her legacy continues through us. It’s a bittersweet experience, knowing that someone you love dearly is no longer in the pain and discomfort that comes with old age and illness. But that can’t overcome the sorrow of losing yet another root to our family tree, a generation that has come and gone. I can only hope I asked enough questions, learned enough through her, and can manifest her in my day-to-day.

This isn’t the type of blog post I hoped to make after yet another unintended hiatus. Not to mention on Mother’s Day. Life had other plans for me. And honoring the mothers of my family that came before me feels like the right thing to do in this moment.

I was visiting my sister when we heard the news from my parents. We pulled out my cookbook, filled with grandma’s recipes, and made a meal in her honor: Sos de Ciuperci {Mushroom Dip}, Cartofi Rotunzi cu Ouă Fierte Tari {Scalloped Potatoes with Hardboiled Egg}, Șniţel de Pui {Egg Chicken}, Cornuleţe cu Rahat {Tiny Horns Filled with Jelly}.

These are not stylized or edited photos by any means. They’re raw, in the moment, and made with love. These are for you, grandma. I love you. Te iubesc {I love you}