Nanny's Story

This cookbook is in honor of Carol Jean Goetze Stodola, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who beat breast cancer in 2001 but sadly lost her battle with lung cancer in 2006.

Carol was born in 1942 in Waconia, Minnesota. She was 4th of 12 children and acquired her love of cooking and recipes from her mother. At 22, she got married and took in 3 children as if they were her own. She had two more children and at age 33, she became a grandmother. She thought "Grandma" sounded too old. "Nanny" sounded more appropriate and the name stuck! 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren lovingly called her "Nanny".

Nanny loved to cook. She loved reading and collecting recipes and cookbooks even more. She had hundreds of recipes that she had clipped from magazines and newspapers and so many cookbooks. During her last move we pleaded with her to donate some of the books to charity. "I will not give up my cookbooks!" she said defiantly. So, we moved boxes of cookbooks once again.

Nanny died on April 30, 2006. While cleaning out her home, we were inspired to create this book. These recipes come from those cookbooks and recipe boxes. They also come from recipes submitted by her dear family and friends.

So, Nanny, this book is for you. All of your favorites and some new ones we know you will love too.

Nanny's love of family and food is why we dedicate the proceeds of this book in her honor to cancer research and local charities. Every time you use this book we know you'll feel the same love we felt from her. Be sure to check out the section titled "Nanny's Best". These are the recipes that meant to most to us.

With sincere gratitude,
The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of "Nanny" Stodola