Rebuilding The Culinary Cellar What a Loss

Last Updated on April 24, 2026 by Lisa Keys

Loss takes many shapes. Today, I am reflecting on the loss of possessions. Those irreplaceable items that shape our identity, mark treasured moments, and celebrate who we are. Rebuilding The Culinary Cellar is about one such journey.

The entrance door to Rebuilding The Culinary Cellar.

Years ago, I lost the tiny diamond from my engagement ring. While it wasn't an expensive stone, the love and sentiment behind it made the loss feel enormous. That ring symbolized a unique, happy moment and a traditional sign of love that nothing else could replicate. I still think about it occasionally. Even though I wear a bigger, brighter ring now, it doesn't feel the same. We often say "it's just a thing" and that things are replaceable, but cherished memories make it incredibly hard to let go.

Another loss I want to share with you today is a big one that affected my friend Debbie and the culinary world. Debbie writes one of my favorite blogs, The Culinary Cellar. I had the privilege of visiting Debbie when William was starting his Navy career at Great Lakes, IL. While he was in boot camp I was sitting at Debbie's kitchen table enjoying the warmest hospitality and most delicious baklava pastry.

However, the biggest treat is waiting for me in Debbie's basement. I get a tour of her famous culinary cellar. As I descend the stairs my eyes fall on numerous shelves bearing the weight of nearly 4000 cookbooks.

In front of me is a massive old-time library card catalog filled with thousands of hand-written recipes collected since Debbie was 12. This is a lifetime of memories showcasing her love of cooking and generations of award winning talents.

The variety of books is like none I have ever seen. Many are rare and antique volumes. While others are obviously much-loved books dog-eared and stained. There are souvenir books from all over the world documenting memories of family vacations and travels.

Some are autographed by famous chefs and most have hand-written notes lovingly penned into the margins giving advice about a recipe. Each and every book has a story beyond its pages. Each and every one is treasured and so loved that she shares it with the world through her blog. She is a generous soul.

And then without warning mother nature lets loose and the flood waters rise. A lifetime of memories and a valued collection washed away in an instant. How does one recover from such a physical, emotional and shocking loss?

Well, if you are a part of the Debbie Vanni family, you just do. Talk about super human strength. The rebuilding of the culinary cellar is already in progress. Support from family and friends and strangers far and wide has Debbie re-grouping and cutting her losses. She is no Debbie Downer! Truly an inspration. I look forward to visiting again some day.