The Family Recipe

Ben found the old recipe book while cleaning his attic one rainy afternoon. The worn leather cover was faded, but his grandmother's handwriting inside remained clear and elegant. As he flipped through the yellowed pages, memories of childhood Sunday dinners flooded back. Little Ellie crawled over and patted the book with her tiny hands, as if she knew it was special.

Ben decided to make his grandmother's famous apple pie, Ellie watching from her high chair. He measured flour, sliced apples, and added cinnamon just as the recipe instructed. The kitchen filled with a warm, sweet aroma that reminded him of his childhood. Ellie clapped her hands and giggled as Ben struggled with the pie crust.

The first pie didn't turn out quite right, but Ben was determined to try again. This time, he let Ellie sprinkle the sugar on top, her little fingers scattering it unevenly. Somehow, that imperfect touch made the pie taste even better than he remembered. Ben realized recipes weren't just about ingredients, but about the love mixed in.

Every Sunday became pie day in their home, a tradition Ben hoped would continue for years. He took photos of Ellie helping, creating a new recipe book of their own memories. As Ellie grew, she learned to roll dough and slice apples alongside her father. The family recipe had done what it was meant to do—connect generations through something sweet and shared.