Sharing recipes or not

Well, I think that most of us receive notoriety very seldom in our lives.  For many women, having a recipe that everyone loves and everyone wants, and that has brought them much praise is just a way of keeping what they feel is their shining accomplishments to themselves.  If everyone in the family could make spinach squares as well as she could, why would they need her.  I think it is a sign of poor self esteem and poor sportsmanship, myself.  Some people never really learned to share as children either.  They see the recipes as MINE!!!!  It is sad, and ridiculous.  I have one recipe out of thousands that is considered a secret family recipe.  Any others I would give freely.  This secret label was given to a certain cookie by my great grandmother.  I have heard she was a vicious woman, so I keep the secret out of fear more than anything else!      

I agree with you. I went to my grandsons bday party last night and people flipped over my food.  Sometimes I carry copies of the recipes but I forgot to bring them but I have never left out and ingredient on purpose.  I like sharing recipes.  And hardly none are my original.  Except maybe 4 or 5 which I would gladly give that to them too.  I consider it a compliment to be asked for a recipe wheter it is mine or someone elses. I find that people who leave out things but give you the recipe anyway are selfish and vain.  Food cost too much to screw up something and have to replace it. It sounds as if you in laws just want to blow their own horn.  Which I call that selfishness.  My sister can cook but she all ways calls me first for the recipe.  Even her boyfriends says she sure can cook but she has to call her sister first.  That was my compliment.  I will turn you on to a great website that is free and you don't have to sign up for.  They are rated by stars and you can read what the other people have to say about the recipes. I only use their 41/2 stars or 5 stars and I have found maybe 6 more recipes I will keep in my file. You can print them out and you can lower the servings.  It's call allrecipes.com.  Try it and when you find a recipes that wows the guest the ones that wouldn't give you their recipe just tell them it's a family secret.  Laugh! But this recipe site is well worth the look and read the reviews that helps too.  Best of luck to you.  Now everyone thinks I'm the greatest cook ever. LMarie http://allrecipes.com/

I think you hit the nail on the head. They probably want to keep the receipe to themselves so that when asked to bring something to a family gathering they can bring that dish. Also, maybe they are afraid that you might make it better than what they do. Sometimes, when a person has something that another person wants, (such as this) they feel a sense of control. They have it, you want it...no way! I hope this helps!!! PS I am sorry that you have to deal with such pettiness.

Laugh I totally agree. I've been trying to give my sisters my recipes so I am not the only one cooking all the time though I love it! I wish sometime they would share in the work that goes into making a recipes.  But if anyone wants on of mine they are welcome too it,  My Baked crab dip was a hit with my daughter's. Mother-in-law and if she wants the recipes I will be glad to mail it to her anytime.  My joy comes from cooking not hiding the recipes.  And the bigger my family gets the more help I need. Thanks ladies! Kisses to you all