In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, the author of “The Heirloom Kitchen Cookbook” said, “I wanted it to be something that people would use and love and that would be passed down through the generations by the whole family.”
Author, mother, and founder of the Heirloomed Collection, Ashley Schoenis shares nearly 100 recipes, cooking techniques, photos, and heartwarming memories from the kitchen in her first cookbook.
Since the book's release in January, Schoenice has continued to tour with upcoming book signings in states including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Fans and friends from Tallahassee, or anyone who appreciates the sacred family recipes, will have a chance to meet her on April 24th at Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market Street.
Following the autograph session, there will be an opportunity to purchase approved vintage items in select stores, including aprons, table linens, candles and heirloom collections.
The idea of writing a book was in the back of Schoenice's mind, but she says recipe cards, her favorite heirlooms, were the driving force behind the book's execution.
Some are handwritten in ink on flimsy paper, while others are small typed notes that have been passed down through the Schoenis family for generations. She has wonderful memories of her home-cooked meals made by her mother and her grandmother.
To commemorate the sacredness of this family heirloom, this cookbook was created in hopes of helping families create memories in the kitchen and at the table.
Schoenice, who describes herself as an old soul, says the book is tailored to people who “have a love for the past, history and the stories behind things.”
The book shares old and new recipes that have been cooked in the family for decades, from side dishes to main dishes, soups and desserts, as well as several created by Schoenice. The book includes simple explanations about the origins of recipes and cooking techniques.
Now based in Atlanta, Schoenice hopes people understand the importance of knowing how to recreate the sacred scratch-made recipes she grew herself.
“I think if that art is lost, it's gone.'' Schoenice said, “I love my grandma's biscuits, but if I don't learn how to make them, the way she makes them will be lost to future generations.'' It's the same,” he said.
There are plenty of Southern recipes, including fried green tomatoes and okra, cheese grits, and waffles.
Schoenice likes to emphasize that her recipes aren't too technical, understanding that life is busy, just like her own routine of balancing work and family life with three children. That's what I think.
“What's important is the knowledge to be able to do it without jumping the generation gap,” Schoenis said.
Schoenice and Heidi Collection photographer Heidi Harris, who has been with the brand for three of its 17 years in existence, spent more than a year collecting photos and recipes shared through the brand's blog over the years.
“I really wanted it to be like a coffee table book for your kitchen island. It's the kind of expression I want to express, like beautiful images,” Schoenice said. He said it includes a photo of Styles.
The book is available for purchase on the Heirloomed Collection website for $35. Also available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
if you go
- where: Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market St.
- when: April 24th 4:30pm – 6:30pm
