Library Collecting Recipes For Coronavirus Community Cookbook

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston Public Library staff are soliciting recipes for inclusion in a community cookbook. According to a news release, library staff plan to collect recipes from as many Evanston residents as possible during the coronavirus shutdown.

When complete, the "Cozy COVID-19 Evanston Community Cookbook" which aims to celebrate "the spirit of nurture, creation, food and connection during the historic COVID-19 pandemic," will be available free online, with a printed copy preserved for history in the library's collection.

"Is there a recipe that gives you particular comfort whenever you make it? Perhaps one you remember from your childhood or that's been in your family for years?" it suggested. "Maybe you found it on the internet and it makes you happy whenever you recreate it or perhaps you invented it yourself!"

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Library officials asked for a range of recipes, including appetizers, main courses, deserts, breakfasts, soups and salads. Alternative recipes such as those without gluten, dairy or meat are especially desirable, according to the release.

To submit a recipe for inclusion: Write an explanation of what the recipe means in one paragraph or less — "Even better if it has some kind of connection to Evanston!" — and send it to CozyCookbook@gmail.com. A photograph of the completed dish and the full name of the person submitting the recipe are optional.