Today I’m welcoming Ruth Newman to the podcast, a “cookier” who specializes in creating intricately decorated sugar cookies for showers, charities, and friends. However, she has never felt the urge to turn her beloved hobby into a career. And that, in fact, is exactly the reason she is my guest today. In 2024, I wanted at least some of the episodes I release to be just easy, meandering conversations with everyday people that I’ve never met before. Without publicists or books, series, or movements to sell, sometimes it's everyday people who restore our faith in the power of food and remind us to nurture and celebrate connections to our closest people, the people who, quite frankly, may cheer for us, but don’t really care what we do or how successful we are. Ruth begins by sharing her recipe for German Rouladen, a complicated beef dish she made for the 200 guests at her only child’s wedding. After discussing the recipe and a day so special it still stand out in Ruth’s memory 25 years later, we wind our way through topics and stories, ending with the people who are supporting Ruth and her husband through his Parkinson’s disease, which has now reached a 4th stage. While I’ve got some powerhouse episodes lined to share with you in the next few weeks - and I’m thrilled, honored, and excited to share those episodes - I know I will not enjoy them any more than this simple discussion with Ruth about the memories and values that truly make a life worth living. Thank you, Ruth! Highlights A day so special Ruth clearly remembers it 25 years later The best daughter-in-law in the world ;-) All the tips on making this complicated Rouladen (beef rolled around pickles and cooked in gravy!) recipe Is lean bacon a thing? A day of preparation! :-) Wringing out hundreds of potatoes in towels! What makes German potato salad different Ruth’s special relationship with her only child and how food and cooking solidified the recipe Memories of Yan Can Cook on PBS The German -> Russia -> North America migration pattern Newman <- Neumann Memories of her father and uncle speaking German, playing German music, and teaching them German polkas - and hearty German dishes with delicious desserts Ruth’s real interest: baking, decorated cookies, and scones (Lemon Cream Scones!!) Cookie and scone tips! Parkinson’s - The diagnosis, the advance, how it has changed her husband, and how we can support friends with the disease. All the people who support Ruth in their Parkinson’s trial Listen to Ruth Now Ruth's Storied Recipe: German Beef Rouladen https://thestoriedrecipe.com/how-to-make-beef-rouladen-the-traditional-german-way/ Connect with Ruth Newman Email: [email protected] More Episodes with Multi-Generational North Americans More Western European Recipes