1. "Thinking back through our mothers" : introduction -- 2. "A subject of the greatest importance" : food and the family -- 3. "The best thing" : communication about and through food -- 4. "Secrets of life" : food-related learning -- 5. "As if nutrition were enough" : food for the circumstances of life -- 6. "The presence of many women" : food as a way of ensuring continuity across generations fo women -- 7. "What life requires" : messages about life through food -- 8. "Strength for the journey" : what we take from our mothers.