In 1980 it was our first Christmas in Florida & we were students at USF. Carrie was working in the pharmacy at the VA Hospital. Mark was the photographer at the Sears Portrait Studio in University Square Mall and was a bartender across the street at Casa Gallardo Mexican Restaurant. Just out side the mall entrance to Sears was a Walden’s Book Store. There on this $1.00 table wanting “just us to have” was an “Ideals Christmas Cookbook” (Ideals Publishing Corporation 602-1).

    We took the book home and spent many hours planning out the Christmas Eve party. We gave a open invitation to everybody at Casa Gallardo Mexican Restaurant. To our surprise over 50 people showed up. Most were students like us and had no place to go. It was one of the best Christmas Eves ever.

    That $1.00 book became our favorite cook book over the years. Now every Holiday we turn to this book, which is full of other recipes stuffed into it too. There was one favorite recipe that we have made every year since. We actually make it for every Thanksgiving & Christmas too. It is our annual for 30 years,  “Pickled Shrimp” family recipe.  Here is a copy from the now brown page book complete with a gold star from Carrie!

    Enjoy  What is your favorite holiday recipe? Write and tell us and we will share to the world!.