I really enjoyed this cookbook. It’s such a unique and heartwarming idea. To create not just a cookbook, but also a memoriam of those who left these cherished recipes for others to create, and perhaps, to integrate into their own family gatherings. I will definitely be giving many of these recipes a try

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for digital access to this book for this review. This book really feels like a cozy hug, even though the huge topic of one’s death and legacy could be really depressing. I love the idea that someone “took this recipe to their grave” and the result was this delightful book. The recipe is really lean into that warm and cozy Grandma vibe. It’s also such an interesting conversation starter and a candidate for favorite new coffee table book. I can’t wait to make more recipes out of it.

I love the little “ recipe notes” callouts on certain recipes because it feels like a handwritten note from your grandmother, reminding you to follow a special instruction. My family cookbook looks very similar!

I would be absolutely tickled if I was one of the included recipe makers to know that my family recipe was written into a book with my life story, what comfort this must bring their loved ones!

Thank you Netgalley, William Morrow, and Rosie Grant for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a unique cookbook. I love the idea of making gravestone recipes, and I'm going to watch for interesting recipes from gravestones in my own area. I'm glad these recipes will be passed down through time, until eventually they will be too worn to read anymore. It's also interesting to see how many variations there are of the same type of thing, especially cookies!

I love that each recipe has an interview, and a little bit of history with it. That is a really nice touch. The photos were beautiful, and I'm glad we got to learn so much about all these lovely people. I enjoy finding out the personal histories of the people who came before us, and there were even a few people who are still alive, but had their gravestone made in advance.

The recipes were easy to follow, and all look delicious. I'm looking forward to making a few, especially the date cake.

I absolutely loved this cookbook and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy for my kitchen. Each recipe has a bit about the person who made the recipe and some have a note from the family as well. I thought it was a very sweet and sentimental touch. It’s great to see where these recipes came from and the stores behind them being shared. I immediately saved a few of the recipes and can’t wait to try them. There’s a great mix of basic, everyday recipes as well as unique ones. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy my way.

I am very excited to check out some of these recipes! I think the idea behind this is cool as a way to honor these recipes and bakers. Getting to learn more about the people and families behind each recipe just makes them feel extra special.

As someone who finds joy in wandering through ancient cemeteries like the 7th-century Saint Peter’s Churchyard in Monkwearmouth, England, or the historic Myles Standish Burial Ground in Massachusetts, I’m captivated by the stories etched on headstones. So when I discovered To Die For, A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant, a book that weaves my love for cemeteries with tales of food and family, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Its release on my birthday made it feel like a gift meant just for me.

Grant, known for her @GhostlyArchive, has thoughtfully collected 40 recipes inscribed on gravestones worldwide, from Spritz Cookies to Guava Cobbler. Each recipe is paired with heartfelt family interviews and stunning photos of the dishes, graves, and cherished keepsakes. These recipes hit close to home, reminding me of my own “Top Secret” potato leek soup I plan to pass to my sons. The stories reveal how dishes like a grandmother’s Chicken Soup or a mother’s French Silk Pie become lasting bonds, connecting families even after loss.

Grant’s careful approach transforms this unique concept into a universal celebration of love, memory, and legacy. Every page is rich with emotion—I found myself laughing one moment and tearing up the next as families shared what these recipes meant to them. The book’s gorgeous design, with vivid photography, makes it a keepsake you’ll treasure. A thoughtful glossary introduced me to the term “taphophile,” describing my passion for the history, art, and culture of cemeteries—a delightful discovery.

I was especially charmed by Grant’s inclusion of curated menu sections, pairing gravestone recipes into thoughtful combinations like “Comfort Food Classics,” “Sunday Brunch Spread,” and “Backyard Barbecue Favorites.” These menus inspire readers to bring these dishes to life together, adding a practical and creative touch.

Reading To Die For left me eager to try these recipes myself—if they’re special enough to be carved on a gravestone, they’re worth cooking. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves food with a story or cherishes family traditions. It’s a beautiful reminder that food can keep love alive long after someone’s gone. I’m already inspired to honor my own family’s recipes, and I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to food lovers, history buffs, or anyone who values the legacy of family.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Rosie Grant, and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced, digital copy, and exchange for an honest review.

I remember a few years ago seeing videos of a woman going to cemeteries and making recipes she found on headstones. The second I saw she made a cookbook of those recipes, I gasped and requested immediately.

This book was so heartwarming and emotional. I did not expect there to be blurbs and bios of the people whose recipes were shared within its pages. I loved the idea of sharing the recipes of these kind people, but I am so happy Grant shared the stories of the people as well. I also liked that there was a list of questions to ask your family and loved ones about food. It is definitely making me ask my own family for recipes they love and want to pass along.

On to the actual recipes... Nothing is too hard to make from the looks of it. There are no super weird ingredients and everything looks so comforting and delicious. All the recipes had a picture of the food, which is a huge deal for me (I like to know what my end product should look like). I am excited to try out some of the cookie recipes from this book!

Overall, the cookbook aspect of this is exactly what you want from a cookbook. But, the book itself is more than just a cookbook. I will definitely be buying this for the library and a copy for myself!

This is an incredibly sweetly poignant cookbook. Judging by the description and title, it sounded like something I’d very much enjoy, I’m so glad I read it! The concept of a cookbook honoring folks who passed away and are honored by sharing their signature recipes on their headstones is just lovely—better yet, the execution was flawless.

The author worked in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. and I think this gave her a healthy and gentle outlook on death and cemeteries. I’m one of those people who enjoys visiting cemeteries so the concept of these headstones has been something I’ve loved since I first heard of them. What a nice way to see so many of them all together!

Rosie Grant spent a lot of time speaking to the loved ones and families of the people whose recipes she used and it was wonderful to read these details of their lives, like the adorable old lady who could swear like a trucker, people who shared their food with anyone and everyone, and the memories of joy throughout. The photos she took of the dishes she made from the recipes are gorgeous, it’s truly an original and lovely cookbook from start to finish.

Thank you Rosie Grant, Harvest, and NetGalley for this ARC, it was a truly incredible read.

This book is both a wonderful tribute and very sad.

Every family has someone known for the food they always bring to the party. For my mom, it was her potato salad. It wasn't a party without it and it's part of our family lore and an indelible part of our memories.

This book gives us the recipes that were so much a part of family tradition that they were literally put on headstones. More than that, though, the author introduces us to the people behind the recipes as their families share stories, memories and the pictures of the deceased.

And, yes, it made me sad.

I haven't cooked any of these. Instead, I took a tearful walk down memory lane - a walk both grief-filled and wistful as I remembered some of the wonderful people I've lost - and the recipes that were sometimes lost with them.

It's a fabulous and touching book. And I need a tissue.

* ARC via Publisher

Very niche, very well done little cookbook. The premise is recipes found on headstones- the author has done a lot of research to get the story behind the recipe, and the women behind the recipe. Very engaging, very respectful, well laid out and beautifully photographed. I really enjpyed this one, no notes.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was not only a wonderful cookbook, but it would be an amazing keepsake for the families. I love the idea of keeping a recipe secret until you die, just to then put it on your gravestone for everyone to see. It is one way to make sure everyone remembers you. Too bad funeral costs are so high (which is ridiculous, by the way), that everyone can't add more things than just their name and dates.

There are not only amazing recipes but stories and photographs of each person. Of course, like every cookbook should, there are gorgeous pictures of the food. Will yours ever look exactly like it? Unless it is as simple as a no- bake cookie, probably not. Then again, there are some people out there that are able to, so?

Loved this cookbook and would definitely recommend it!

This is exactly my cup of tea and what a unique and incredibly meaningful premise for a book!!!

This is a cookbook containing recipes from gravestones along with the stories behind the person each recipe came from. I really loved the introduction where you learn the WHY behind this cookbook and the concept that cemeteries are more than a final burial place for the deceased.

I would have liked if the author had included notes from the recipes as she made them — maybe additional tips/tricks she used or things she found helpful as she made each one.

Either way: I love that this cookbook exists. So very much. What a wonderful way to be remembered. Now I know I’ll forever be keeping an eye out for recipes on gravestones at every cemetery I visit from now on.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the digital ARC for my thoughts!

This was a great cookbook. Very easy-to-follow recipes. I can't wait to try these recipes. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Genuinely did not think that a cookbook would make me cry, but here we are.

The basis for these recipes is so heartwarming and yet so tragic. To learn about these people and their families, to have the chance to continue their legacies with recipes that they made in life and now share past death.

It gives me so much hope that literally anyone can make an impression on the world. Even if it is a snickerdoodle recipe etched into stone.

It's a must for a library collection and I'm considering it for my personal book collection which is WILD.

I first found Rosie on social media and quickly became invested in the recipes and stories behind the recipes. So when I heard that this cookbook was coming out, I couldn't get my preorder in fast enough!

This cookbook satisfies every expectation I had for it. Great photography. Stories of the people who made these recipes with love for their family. Easy to follow directions with hints and tips throughout.

This cookbook will quickly become a treasured part of your cookbook collection. My hope is that it also encourages you to share your recipes with loved ones. We connect and make memories so much over food.

The beautiful tradition of sharing a oved one's famous recipe on their tombstone is more common than one would think. I read a story about a woman who liked to search for these gravestones and bake the dishes, but I'm so glad these have been collected in a cookbook that more can enjoy. As I read about the women who inspired these recipes, it brought to mind the way they must have shown love through cooking, and how cozy it would be to enjoy these desserts and entrees. I also thought of my mother-in-law, who bakes with love in all she makes. I would love to create a recipe tombstone in tribute to her in the future, and hopefully a new edition of this cookbook could include her meals.

I found this creator on TikTok/Instagram a few years ago and fell in love with the idea. I was so surprised when I saw this book on Netgalley. The idea is simple: she found recipes from tombstones and made them! As simple as the idea is, the execution is immaculate. The pictures are gorgeous, and Rosie got personal stories for every person to include with the recipes themselves. There are family photos, photos of the tombstones themselves, and of course photos of the food that has been made. The book has an introduction and glossary, and each recipe has personal stories from friends and families. You can tell this is a true passion project, and a ton of work and heart went into it. I will definitely will be buying this book when it's published (all of the cookies look delicious).

Who knew that some leaving their legacy include recipes on their gravestones? Rosie Grant has noticed, and compiled a unique and excellent cookbook with recipes from gravestones as well as stories of those people. If you are interested, you’ll want to pick up To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes. Grant is a food lover and creator of @GhostlyArchive on tiktok and Instagram where she researches recipes on gravestones from digital archives.

While the recipes are mostly for sweets, there are a few savory recipes. There are photographs of each of the gravestones and the recipes engraved on them, as well as beautiful, professional photographs of each dish. Grant has taken the recipes and printed them in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed first, mostly followed by step-by-step instructions; some of the recipes have been shortened and leave out pan sizes and other things, probably to save room on the stone, but are easily understandable and easy to follow.

All told, Grant is a good writer and the prose is well-written and interesting. There is a nice story about each of the people and readers will find that they want to curl up in a corner and read the book cover to cover. This is a fun cookbook that is nice to have on a cookbook shelf.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

This is such a cool book! I appreciate the author interviewing the families of those who have passed on to give a little back story, as well as including some photos. As someone who loves baking and family recipes, I think these recipes look great! It was interesting to see that there are a few recipes of similar cookies. The cover reminds me of Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book from the 1950s, giving it a very homey vibe. I will be making some of these recipes.

This made me smile, and not a happy smile, but a comforting smile. How lovely is it that they get to continue to live on.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book for spooky season (which starts July 5th). I was thinking it would be slightly haunted, a little spooky, with some ghost stories. But this cookbook is so heartwarming and wonderful.

I love the recipes and the personal stories of the people behind them. It's a really meaningful book about the love we pass on through our cooking and the legacies we leave behind.

"To Die For" is one of the most unique and moving cookbooks I’ve ever read. Rosie Grant takes recipes inscribed on gravestones and brings them to life with so much care and respect. Each recipe carries the story of a life, a family, and a memory, and Rosie presents them with such care that you can feel the love behind every dish.

Some of the recipes are comfortingly familiar, like potato rolls and chicken soup, while others are delightfully unique, like clubhouse cracker bars, tea biscuits, and even something called Dr. Death ranch. That mix of nostalgia and discovery makes the book a joy to read.

I had never seen Rosie’s Instagram or TikTok before picking this up, but by the time I finished the book I immediately subscribed. Her voice, her vision, and her dedication to preserving these recipes and the stories behind them are inspiring.

Truly, thank you for this!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Okay so I mostly skimmed through this as it is primarily a cookbook, but it made me cryyy. The author collected gravestone recipes and also put not only the recipe, complete with glorious photos of the food, but also short info about the person on whose gravestone it was, with stories about them or the recipe, and sometimes also photos of the person. It made me so happy to read some of these and I can't wait to try the recipes. It made me think about the amount of love that goes into cooking and how special family favorites really are, more for the memories than the taste. I think these people would all be so happy to see their recipes collected in this little book.

I absolutely adored reading this, especially finding recipes from states I have lived in!
I loved reading the little stories and the family tips!! It was such a nice read with some super yummy looking recipes

This is one of the most unique ideas for cookbook that I've seen!

Having a "signature dish" is one thing, but having a dish that you do so well that it makes it onto your headstone is next level. I loved that the author included encouragement to preserve and document your own family history as well. This cookbook is genuinely a new take on the traditional book, and the photos of both the food and the markers are incredible.

Thank you to the author, William Morrow, + Harvest for my advance copy!

To quote Ernest Hemingway, “Every man has two deaths: when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name.” What if we had another way to keep the legacy of our loved ones living on? By cooking the recipes of our dearly departed, it is a way to continue to keep a piece of them present in our hearts at any given time.

The author has put together a collection of recipes from around the world that have been permanently etched on graves, and looked into the importance of that dish to the person and families that shared in it. Some of our best memories are around food and gathering at the table and I felt this was a wonderful tribute. I did not make any of these recipes yet but I have a few saved that I can’t resist trying. This is a great novelty cookbook, a poignant glimpse at the recipes that make our families happiest. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

Do you love cemeteries as much as I do? One of my favorite things about cemeteries is finding unique headstones that are more than just a few dates. Whenever I find a recipe, I always take a picture and save it for later. When I found out that Rosie Grant was curating a recipe book full of just that, I was so excited! It's available October 7, 2025. 
What recipe would you leave on your headstone? I would leave my chocolate cake recipe. 
TO DIE FOR: A COOKBOOK OF GRAVESTONE RECIPES is a cookbook of recipes that have been left on the gravestones of those that have gone before us. This collection celebrates those last legacies left behind by those who had such a passion for cooking for others. 
I had the best time going through each recipe! Rosie has not only collected the recipes, but she reached out to the families to get the story behind each recipe. In doing so, she has curated a beautiful memorial for each person, talking about how passionate they were about their food, their love for cooking for others, and the little moments that their loved ones remember the most. 
The first recipe I tried was Ise Carlson's potato rolls. There was something special about making Ise's recipe, and it almost felt like I had a connection with her from beyond. Spoiler alert- they were delicious! It's no wonder why her grandkids would call and ask her for potato rolls every chance they got. 
It's a perfect cookbook for anyone, really! But those who love old hand-me-down recipes will cherish this book. 
#todiefor #cemetaries #gravestonecookbook #cookbooklove #gravestonerecipes #recipegravestone #cemetarylovers

I'm not much of a cook, but I can tell you exactly which recipe I hold dearest in my heart and who made it for me every Thanksgiving throughout my childhood: it was my Dad's turkey stuffing recipe (his special ingredient was water chestnuts).

This is a fantastic book for anyone who values the connection between food and loved ones. Our worldviews are all vastly different, but the inevitability of death and the enjoyment of good food both happen to be something we all experience. This book celebrates the lives of many people who were beloved for the meals they cooked and baked, not only by sharing their most precious recipe but also by sharing their stories. There's also lovely advice on how to document your food history, personal archiving, choosing one's own gravestone recipe, and some lovely sample menus if you chose to make a dinner with recipes featured in this book.

Although I read this as an ARC on Netgalley, I plan to buy a physical copy and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves cooking, community, and family history.

I ran into Rosie Grant, aka @GhostlyArchive online one day and was fascinated. I love cemeteries, they tell you so much about the place they are in, and the people. Filled with recipes? That I hadn’t thought of. They are! What a great way to leave your mark. I made Gramma’s (Marjorie Dawn Guppy’s (Dawn) Chocolate Chip Cookies last weekend, and they were rich and sweet, but the perfect amount of both! She sounds like a wonderful person.

Rosie Grant, tells us about the people who left behind the recipes making if feel extra special to make a recipe from this book. Dawn owned the Choo Choo Grill with her husband, Don. It’s still open in Grand Rapids and run by their daughter and son in law.

If you like cooking, and hearing about people this is a great cookbook to pick up!
Thank you Harvest and Net Galley. #ToDieFor #NetGalley

My Grandmother passed a few months ago and the loss has weighed heavily on me. This book was a beautiful reminder of how we can keep the memory of our loved ones alive and connect with them via food.

While the concept of a cookbook entirely of tombstone recipes is interesting enough, this book goes even further and introduces us to the person behind each recipe thanks to interviews with the surviving family. You can hear how much each person was loved and the lasting impact their recipe made on the entire family.

This book truly is a treasure. The photos are beautiful, the recipes are written well and often include helpful tips from the family. I look forward to trying many of the recipes in this book.