We dedicate this Cookbook to the honor of the tireless Czech cooks who have laboriously planned, gathered, and prepared for the nourishment and happiness of her (and, in some cases, his) family and friends, sending wave after wave of culinary fragrance drifting across the entire home from the kitchen, and preparing for the family and its guests the enjoyment of a most luscious and refreshing meal.

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Recipes came from great-grandma’s handwritten notes, many with family stories, sharing memories of when and how the dish was prepared and served. Other recipes reflected the modern methods and ingredients used as Czech descendants adapted to their Texas surroundings. And then the “old country” recipes arrived from relatives and friends in the Czech Republic, proving again the old Czech saying, “Co krev poji, more nerozdvoji” – “what blood joins, the ocean does not separate.”

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“Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven” is a familiar phrase to most of those holding this cookbook. It was brought to us by the Pillsbury Food Company.

Even more familiar and probably much older than the Pillsbury Food Company was a saying we are all familiar with – that being, “Come over for coffee,”

Home prepared dishes, be it a complete meal, cake, pie or simple cup of coffee warms a lonely heart; brings a smile to a sorrowful face; renews and keeps good friendships, etc. Problems which were once big can seem small when shared with a friend.

As you read through this cookbook, and/or prepare a recipe or two, it is our desire you will find joy which will bring a smile. Perhaps it will be a scripture, an inspirational thought, poem, a simple phrase or a beloved photo. Our first desire in bringing this cookbook to you is to honor our Lord. Secondly, our hope is it will bring love and cheer to whosoever finds themselves using it.