Home > Everyday Gourmet > Archives > 2009 > March > 26 > Entry
My Favorite Cookbook
by JoAnn Miller
My favorite cookbook has had a new birth. The book binder removed all of the duct tape, carefully reinforced page edges, added two new ribbons for place markers, and bound it in a beautiful cobalt blue cover.
The stained pages of the cookbook, however, remind me that even though I have a plethora of cookbooks and food magazines, and that I often go to websites for recipes, this 1955 edition of The Joy of Cooking has been my mainstay through a home economics teaching career, 50 years of marriage, three children, and eight grandchildren.
Why? It’s just so - basic. Reliable recipes and cooking techniques, menus for many occasions, substituions, entertaining and table service, etc. Old-fashion? Perhaps. Too formal for our casual society? Probably. But still so - basic.
Looking for a great gift for a bride and groom? Think about getting them The Joy of Cooking. They can find trendy recipes on Epicurious.com, Cooking.com, and countless other websites. They can get recipes from wonderful foods magazines like Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Food and Wine. My old Joy is still my favorite.
Dear Reader, let me know your favorite cookbook!
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By Cristi
March 29, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My favorite is the Fannie Farmer Cookbook - for the same reasons you like the Joy! I can find all the basic recipes with notes on how to make numerous variations. It teaches me the secrets behind all those trendier versions. Some one who knew gave it to us for our wedding!
By Jo Ann
March 31, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Thank you for the comment about the Fanny Farmer cookbook. It is good to have these basic books so that we can know what will work and what won’t—and why.
By Tbu
March 31, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Speaking of stained recipe pages… I saw the cutest idea in a magazine. Take your favorite old recipes, preferably in the handwriting of who gave it to you and stained is better, and frame them as kitchen art. It’s sweet, sentimental, and your favorite recipes are extremely easy to find— just follow directions from your wall.
Also, Karyn, I need some more Mu towels! They are unbelievable.
By Karyn Miller
April 1, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Aren’t those Mu towels great! Let me know what colors/sizes you want, and I’ll make sure they’re in stock. I love the kitchen art idea. Mom and I have been talking about a recipe book “class” here at the store. Maybe a recipe art class would be better! Also, I bet Pat Magid at Studio Gallery would do a phenomenal job of matting and framing anything like that. Thanks so much for the note. -Karyn
By Dutchess
April 5, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am reading one of my favorites right now … The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook ca.1959.Not much health going on there but who cares,, you can adapt them or enjoy them as they were.
Another is one I found at a garage sale that was put out by Ford Motor company ,, I have the first version( very early 50’s) of recipes from American Restaurants from all over the US,alot of which are not there any more.
Then of course The Bayou Gourmet cookbook published each year in the spring by the Houma Times Courier. This features all the winners of their annual cooking contest ..
By Jo Ann
April 6, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
BH and G was another “mainstay” for me, too. In fact, there may be stained pages in it than in Joy. I still use the Everyday Waffle recipe —along with others.
By Dutchess
April 8, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
LOL I wanted to add that it is the Better Homes and Gardens HOLIDAY cookbook YIPEEEE.. some of those classic dips,party food, reminds me of being a small child in the 60’s here.My mother loved to entertain…. the creamed onion recipe would be probably be outlawed today in the interest of cardiac safety .. but those were great food days for sure. The fudge recipes are outstanding . I can see how it would be a mainstay plus all the recipes are easily updateable.
By Kim
June 1, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Can you tell us where you got your cookbook re-bound and about how much it cost? Thanks!
By Mrs Miller
June 2, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Yes. Library Binding Company, 2900 Franklin Ave. Telephone—753-2464. Excellent job of saving as many pages as possible! It has a hard cover and it cost %50.00.
By Mrs Miller
June 2, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Kim, Make that $50.00. I just barely pased typing and I never did get that top row down. jam
By Kay Haidek
June 4, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
My favorite cookbook is one put together by the home economic teachers in Texas in 1961-2. It had sections for beef, pork, chicken, fish and a section for hamburger. I had written in it the dates I used the recipes and any changes I made to the recipe. This book helped me to learn to cook. Unfortunately, a “friend” borrowed mine and never returned it. I would love another copy if anyone knows where I might get one. Love the idea of framing the recipes.
By Dryer Vent Cleaning
September 18, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Cool site, love the info.