Local Business to Publish Community Cookbook

s policy is to sell merchandise only made in America with absolutely no foreign components allowed. Owner Deborah Leydig’s latest concept is more of the same with a local twist. 

“We’re always thinking of things to make things fun for customers,” she said. “And we have so many customers that cook that we decided to have a Norton’s customer cookbook.”

Leydig is accepting recipes from customers who must then bring a sample into the store at 400 Lageschulte, Barrington, for other customers to vote for or against. 

“We’ve had so many people who have brought in so many things already to get a tasting and the customers vote thumbs up or thumbs down,” she said. “It’s really anything anybody wants to bring in. We’ve had main dishes, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and today we had chicken soup.”

Tastings are welcome at any time, according to Leydig. “We have a consistent amount of people that come in, so there’s always enough people to taste it,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many people have said, ‘Can I get that recipe?’ I tell them no, you have to wait for the cookbook.”

The idea for the very local cookbook may have a few less than local contributions as Norton’s U.S.A.’s policy of selling only made-in-America products has garnered a following beyond the Barrington’s village limit. However, given the taste test requirement, it is doubtful recipes will originate from far-flung chefs.

The finished product is set to debut for the holidays so all recipes will need their sample day at Norton’s U.S.A. before September.

Those that make it into the cookbook won’t have to settle for fame and glory though. Contributors will get the cookbook at cost, plus 20 percent off of each book given for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza or just to show off to other cooks.

The odds are good, at this point, for making the final copy. But, just in case, better brush up your made in the U.S.A. recipes and bring them in for an all-American vote, according to Leydig.  

“Right now, we’ve got plenty of room so we’re going to try to put in as many as possible, even dog biscuits.”

“It’s just another way to enjoy each other’s friendship in a different way,” Leydig said.

For more information call: 888-326-7997 or visit: www.nortonusa.com.