I enjoyed eating what she served and have often served the same kinds of things for my family. That is the way traditions develop. Daily rice and enchiladas become the food of choice for Mexican children just as naturally as diva and sukwar become the choice for Bura children and their parents. Since my background is that of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk of Eastern Pennsylvania, it is natural that I should serve that kind of food. She had her set of cook books and encouraged me not only to read them but to study them.
Cook books provide lessons in nutrition.
My table mates at college made me conscious of what we were served. Plain boiled potatoes were standard fare. I have not served them to my family, except when there was dandelion and fried ham to accompany them. The dandelion must be served warm, with the dressing made with egg, vinegar, sugar, and water, and added to the greens just as they are being served. One of my sons has asked me to tell something about our foods on our many long trips.