Food is a key ingredient in any family history — just think about the memories evoked by a taste of Dad's secret sauce or a whiff of Grandma's fresh-baked bread. Celebrate those memorable dishes — and the traditions surrounding them — by creating a personalized recipe book. Ask loved ones to scrapbook their favorite recipes, gather the pages into an album, then share it at a family gathering. Or make it a special wedding or graduation gift. Here are some tips to get started:

• SEND EACH REQUEST for a recipe along with a color-copied sample page you've created. Provide specific instructions — you want to make sure the finished page is the right size for the album, and that each page includes photos and a message to the recipient.