Mission Viejo: Our Stories, Our Food – Community Cookbook Project

Community members are invited to be a part of a new Mission Viejo Community Cookbook. This project captures residents’ stories and recipes, culminating in the publication of a cookbook that reflects the richly diverse fabric of Mission Viejo’s cultural landscape. 

In 1986, the Mission Viejo Realty Group published a community cookbook, capturing a unique snapshot of the community at that time. Almost 40 years have passed, and we are now seeking recipes and personal stories for a new edition of the Mission Viejo Community Cookbook. 

Details

The cookbook will be published in summer 2024, and will include one recipe accompanied by a brief personal narrative from each participant. Participants will have the opportunity to have their dish professionally photographed. 

The photographs, recipes, and stories will be included in an exhibit at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, showcasing the cookbook’s content for the whole community to view and enjoy. An exhibit reception will take place on June 29. 

Do you have a family recipe? Maybe it’s a recipe passed down through generations, connecting you with your heritage every time you make it. Maybe it’s a new recipe you’ve created, reflecting your identity and the values you carry with you into the world every day. 

Apply to have your recipe and story included in the cookbook by submitting the following form by March 31, 2024. Please note that application is not a guarantee of selection. 

This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Selection process

Recipes will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing the unique cultural heritage of Mission Viejo. Selections will be based on recipe type, culinary merit, and cultural heritage significance. The City is seeking a diverse array of recipes from a variety of cultures and different parts of a daily diet (breakfast, appetizers, entrees, dessert, etc.). 

Submission guidelines

Participants must be current Mission Viejo residents.
Participants must be 10 and older.
Your recipe must be original/your own property, i.e. not directly taken from an existing published recipe. 

Submission form

Thank you for submitting your recipe for inclusion in the Mission Viejo Community Cookbook.

You may submit up to three (3) recipes for consideration. If your submission is selected, one recipe will be included in the cookbook.