Mable: A Sweet Tribute to Grandma's Pie
I'm beyond excited to share with you all the journey behind my fourth zine, titled "Mable." This zine is a heartfelt love letter to my Grandma Mable and her legendary Sweet Potato Pie recipe, a dessert almost sacred within the black community.
In my family, only a select few are trusted to bake this pie, starting from my Grandma who crafted the original recipe, to my Mama who diligently wrote it down for future generations, and now to me, the one responsible for baking all the Sweet Potato Pies for our family gatherings.
A Sweet Tribute to Grandma's Pie
"Mable" takes you through the entire process of baking a Sweet Potato Pie, from discovering the recipe, to shopping for ingredients, to the actual baking, and of course, the essential taste-testing phase. Because let's be real, it has to taste just like Grandma's!
Filled with captivating photos of Grandma Mable herself, each page of the zine showcases two intricately crafted dioramas, a cozy kitchen and a welcoming living room with a charming entryway. It took me two weeks to meticulously construct and style each space, aiming for a seamless flow and a traditional yet accessible feel for photography.
The color scheme of blue and red, inspired by Grandma and Mama's favorite colors, creates a cheerful yet homey atmosphere reminiscent of Grandma's own home, albeit with a modern twist. Every detail in the dioramas pays homage to Grandma, from her beloved butterflies and roses to her fondness for ducks, Pepsi, and Almond Joy candy bars. I even miniaturized photos of Grandma, Mama, and myself to add an extra touch of sentimentality.
Baking a Sweet Potato Pie is no easy feat, it's an arduous process that requires dedication and love. But the end result? It's more than worth it. This pie is more than just a dessert, it's a taste of home, a connection to family, and a reminder of the love passed down from generation to generation.
Don't forget to indulge in a slice of your own Sweet Potato Pie. Trust me, it's pure bliss.