Students from the College Writing I class at Kent State
University created a cookbook as part of their final project,
with proceeds benefiting the Campus Kitchen at Kent State.

Ten freshmen students and their professor in a College Writing I class at Kent State University created a cookbook for their final class project that benefits the Campus Kitchen at Kent State.

The cookbook, titled The Treasured Tree: A Recipe Straight from the Vine, includes more than 20 recipes. Each student submitted two recipes, and their professor, Carly Sachs, submitted one as well. One recipe had to be a family recipe or one that showcased a little about them and the second recipe had to be a healthy recipe.

“The inspiration for the cookbook came from the students,” says Sachs. “I gave them the choice for their final project and one of the students suggested a cookbook.”

Sachs loved the idea and then discussed how they would use writing and composition in making the cookbook and who the audience would be.

“Some of them had little to no writing experience before the class, so watching them take ownership and seeing everyone’s unique talent and skill set come together was exciting for me,” says Sachs.

The cookbook is composed of many Egyptian and Filipino recipes, but overall includes a wide variety of diversity and culture. It is divided into sections on drinks, desserts, appetizers and entrées. One student in the class served as editor and collector of the recipes and another student created the book on iBooks Author.

“When we came up with the idea to make a cookbook, it sounded like a lot of hard work and time, but we were all sad when it was finished,” says Julianne Jenkins, freshman biology major, who was a student in the class. “Even though we each had our own parts to work on, everyone pitched in and helped one another. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this project and to be able to give back to the community.”

The book will be sold for $4.99 on iTunes and proceeds will benefit the Campus Kitchen Project.

“Carly is amazing, and her students were so creative in their approach to their project,” says Ann Gosky, senior special assistant for Kent State’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement and coordinator of Campus Kitchen at Kent State. “What was wonderful is that all the recipes they shared had a history – they were a grandma’s favorite recipe, a cultural favorite or always part of a family celebration.”

Sachs believes the adventure has just begun.

“I told the students that you don’t really know the difference you’re going to make in the world or in someone’s life just by the work you do,” says Sachs. “The cookbook surpassed my expectations of any final project, and they now have a published book that anyone in the world can buy.”

To purchase The Treasured Tree: A Recipe Straight from the Vine cookbook on iTunes, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-treasured-tree/id890227930?ls=1&mt=11.