Nothing tastes better than home cooking. It used to be that the family recipe book was passed down from generation to generation so dishes that took sometimes a century to perfect were never lost.

For many that tradition has waned through the years. The Journal would like to start a new tradition of sharing family recipes with our readers.

We are asking local residents to submit their favorite family recipes — with a photo of the dish or family member who originated the recipe, if available. Every week one or more recipes will be published in the Wednesday edition of the Journal, and at the end of 2012, all the recipes will be collected and printed in a Journal Readers Recipe Book in January 2013.

This is your chance to share grandma’s famous enchilada recipe or Aunt Sandy’s secret to finger-licking chicken. We encourage you to send all types of recipes, from meats to vegetables and, definitely, delectable desserts. A photo of your family enjoying the dish would also be welcomed.

Send your recipe, with photo and contact information, to Kristina Hacker by e-mail at khacker@turlockjournal.com or by mail at 138 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380. Photos mailed to the Journal will be available for pick up at the Journal office.