I have been thinking lately about years ago when I was young and family, friends or church folks got together for a pot luck dinner. I remember a lot of different special dishes that people made. My Grandmothers marshmallow salad, my moms potato salad, my aunts relish and pickles the list is long so I will stop now. Each person or family had a special dish that I looked forward to tasting. Some of them I have not seen in years and miss greatly. I think it was wonderful to see people I knew bring their special foods. I was connected to them by the sight, smell and taste of what they made in their home with secret ingredients. Over the past few years the home made goodness has slipped quietly into its grave.The last several potluck dinners I have been to have been mostly purchased at Costco or Wallmart. Bags of chips, canned beans, salads from the store and microwaveable quick prep foods with a industrial aftertaste have nearly replaced all the good home made unique foods. Every gathering is beginning to taste and look the same. I miss food made with love. The way people glow and smile when asked for the recipe of their special dish. There is a difference in the food made at home with care that is sadly leaving. I think you can taste the love when some one makes a meal at home that is clearly not there with store bought items. I made cookies today, anyone can have some. Just a bit of home made goodness from me to you with love. Stop by soon they taste great!