This exhibit will be on display starting in January at the Hart Memorial Library.
Osceola County Cuisine is a collection that reflects Osceola County’s culture – past, present, and future. One taste of a family recipe handed down through generations immediately connects us to our past and brings us together!
Preserving family recipes is so much more than just preserving food – it’s about preserving your family’s identity, history, traditions, and culture. From hearty meals that brought the family together to sweet treats made for special occasions, these recipes are more than just instructions—they are a window into the lives and legacies of those who came before us. We invite you to explore these culinary treasures, recreate these dishes, and celebrate the rich tapestry of family, food, and history that binds us all.
The exhibit includes invaluable recipes from residents of Osceola County and treasured cookbooks, Stove Pilot and Favorite Recipes.
Items in the exhibit are kindly loaned from Osceola History.
Additional Resources
We’ve found relevant resources from our collection and the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
Bibilioboard
- Osceola County Cuisine – A diverse range of submissions that reflect Osceola County’s culture – past, present, and future. Family recipes are like time machines and are an important part of local culture. One taste of a family recipe handed down through generations immediately connects us to our past and brings us together!
Florida Divsion of Historical Resources
- Foodways Collection – This collection focuses on ‘foodways,’ a broad and fascinating topic which explores the intersection of food in culture and history. Florida’s diversity is evident in the variety of foodways found throughout the state. Traditional dishes and cooking methods are often closely linked to the history of the people who prepare and enjoy the food. Florida’s Spanish, Greek, Minorcan, Jamaican, Cuban, and African American populations are just a few groups whose culinary customs have been folded into the state’s collective food culture. Knowledge and traditions change as these groups share their foodways with each other, becoming a blended culture.
- Tasting History – Cooking traditions are handed down from generation to generation, sometimes via written recipe but often only by word of mouth—teaching the next generation right in the kitchen or over the fire. The Florida Department of State museums as well as the Archives try to collect and preserve these recipes for future generations
