GainesvilleMoms.com

Yes, I wonder about that too as I am a devotee of the Food Network and I have several favorite recipes that use things like Rice a Roni or Stove Top stuffing so we're trying to figure out how to manage to list the recipe without getting into trouble with branded products.

I know in Paula Deen's cookbooks she has many recipes that say "courtesy of...." and have a name of the person or place where she came across the recipe. Whether or not that means she had to get permission, I could not say.

I hope we can work it out, it is a great idea.

Michelle, in regards to your Paula Deen question, I believe that is simply a courtesy. She is being honest about where she got those recipes, and is giving credit where credit is due. BUT I doubt there is a legal requirement. Where it is possible to have a recipe legally trademarked or as a corporate secret (like Special Sauce on Big Macs) I'd think it is extremely rare that someone outright OWNS a recipe.

She is just showing class, and good old fashioned Southern manners.

For the other question, I bet there are ways around using branded items. For example, saying "Instant Stuffing" instead of "Stove Top"
On the other hand, how many businesses would turn down free advertising and a way to sell more of their stuff?

quote:

Originally posted by Nathaniel Hensley:
She is just showing class, and good old fashioned Southern manners.

For the other question, I bet there are ways around using branded items. For example, saying "Instant Stuffing" instead of "Stove Top"
On the other hand, how many businesses would turn down free advertising and a way to sell more of their stuff?

Well of course Ms Paula is showing her good southern manners, I declare!! LOL

I thought about that too Nate. Maybe saying "boxed rice dinner, chicken flavor" because there are more than one brand out there so who would know if we meant a specific one? I agree they ought to appreciate the free advertising, but I also don't want to get us into hot water. Maybe as a post-script to the recipe, we could even say I used XYZ brand but you can choose your favorite? I don't know - just tossing ideas out there. I think all of us are smart enough to decipher the "code" of generic speak.

As long as the recipe isn't copyrighted we should be in the clear. Like don't reprint the Nestle Toll House Cookie recipe....could get into trouble. But if you reduce the salt a little, it's not the same recipe right??

I would say you can't use a recipe off of a box, cooking site, etc., unless you are going to say where you got the recipe from.

And as far as saying what brand you like to use in your recipe, I think that is fine. You could say "(I like to use...)"

Overall, I think we should probably try to stick to family recipes that are our own. Of course, most recipes can be found in many places. But I just wouldn't want to steal anything!

I will check on these rules as the time gets closer.

Well the idea of the cookbook is ues OUR OWN recipes (family or your own) and not from another cookbook, online, etc...etc....

the idea is to share what our mothers and grandmothers taught us or what we learned as children.

I think if we ask family favorite family recipes that we will get plenty to share (if it is ok with them). I know I have a few that my grandmother and aunts can share.

We need to do something alittle more unique...& different...lol...& chanllenging.

Hope that makes sense!

I agree the recipes will be the ones we use in our own homes, but that doesn't mean we were the first to record the recipe was my point. Now I am the world's worst for using an actual recipe and even when I do, I like to make changes (the first time I go by the book, to see how it 'should' come out) but if I've made changes then it isn't the same so I can claim it as my recipe - right?

I used this past weekend as a chance to try out a couple of ideas on our gameday guests and they were all well received so I have some things definitely ready to go in the mix! I was quite surprised at the "reviews" since our guests were 3 guys and 1 girl, I figured the guys would not like some stuff or not comment on it but they gave me the best feedback! Two of them, ages 22 and 13, actually ate stuff they have never had before and polished off all of it! Now if I could just get my own kids to eat like that...

As for asking for a family recipe, I know of one I can get but usually when I ask, they tell me "you are the cook, we use yours!"

This weekend I had to cook for a baby shower. So I'll probably write up the recipes for what I made then -- it all seemed to go over rather well.

I think I did pretty well -- I made four dishes plus a cake, and fed twenty people. I tell you this, though, I need a lot of work before I can even think about becoming a caterer.

quote:

Originally posted by Nathaniel Hensley:

I think I did pretty well -- I made four dishes plus a cake, and fed twenty people. I tell you this, though, I need a lot of work before I can even think about becoming a caterer.

Good for you! I know guys can do this stuff too and it can give you a real sense of accomplishment to make something yourself and then see others enjoy it! As for the catering thing - if we lived up there, I think we could get together with a few other members and make a heckuva team!! I would love to do catering but our kitchen is so small I can only handle eats for about 10 people max right now. (unless we grill, then I can kick butt on 2 huge ones outside). Problem is, how do you get that info out there? I have wondered about contacting some of the elderly and/or single people nearby and see if they might be interested in having me prepare meals for them as a side business. Any thoughts from anyone?

What about a section for kids? It can have a few chapters like easy breakfast ideas for kids or lunch box ideas/recipes or snack ideas.
Also a chapter created by kids for kids.
I know I would buy a cookbook with that included in a heartbeat!
Maybe this is a whole 'nother book?

I think it would be great to include a section on quick, easy and kid-friendly ideas!

I actually love that idea, and I'm sure other's will too!!!!

it will surely be unique & fun!

I don't know that this qualifies as a recipe but I do know if you eat three Gerber Graduates peach puffs finger foods and drink warm-ish Pepsi right after it, it tastes like beer!!

Yes, I think a kids section is a big thumbs-up. Either for kids or by kids or both.

I vote that it be BY KIDS...that makes all the more more unique and special!

Hey all--my mother just published a cookbook and recipes CANNOT be copyrighted just the name (like the Toll House example )...so steal away!

J