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Cookbooks You Reach For Time After Time

We all have some. Those cookbooks that have been around the kitchen as long or longer than we have - especially if passed down from a mom, favorite aunt, or grandmother. I know I have a couple that are worn and stained, but I keep reaching for them time and time again.

I recently used one I purchased from a Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin when my children were small. I go to it for a monster cookie recipe as well as the standard play dough and pizza doughs that I make. It is well worn with many turned down page corners, chocolate and syrup smears, and a few marks of ink or pencil where I doubled the recipe on the actual page.

Another favorite was given to me by an elderly neighbor lady who was acting grandparents to my two children some fifteen years ago. She and her husband brought it back to us from Branson, Missouri (Old Fashioned Country Cooking - Favorite Southern Recipes) one year and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. I never use it without thinking of Eleanor - tiny, chubby, smiling and giving, Eleanor.

The Betty Crocker cookbook was given to me as a new bride and it has become a standard book that I reach for when I want a tried and true recipe. The Indian cookbook I picked up on sale at Borders - I love to look at the colorful pages and exotic spices before I close it and go out to eat at India Palace.

Just recently I was taken with a book about cornbread. Crescent Dragonwagon's "The Cornbread Gospels" has as many different recipes as my kitchen is big. There are over two hundred recipes from varying cultures that include background information as well as illustrations by Andrea Wisnewski. Yeah, it is a favorite and especially this time of year when I am always firing up the oven for some soul food, comfort food, and heart healthy food - okay, it is the cornbread I'm really after.

What cookbooks do you reach for time and again? Who first introduced you to the book? Do feel free to share a favorite recipe so we know how good the recommendation is!

By Ronda Miller

October 16, 2009

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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16 October 2009
at 1:17 p.m.

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lonelane_1 (Anonymous) says…

The Joy of Cooking is the one I go to over & over for good, reliable recipes. I also use it for basic “how to” instructions on just about everything. The best method to poach, hard boil, soft boil, etc. an egg? The easiest way to carve a turkey, make a rue or anything else you can think of? It's all there.
16 October 2009
at 1:21 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Mrs Roe inherited among other things from her aunt a “Better Homes and Garden 1954 edition” cookbook. Her own is a 1971 edition. No mention of micro-wave cooking in either one. Some great cake recipes though….
16 October 2009
at 1:27 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

As a gag gift several years ago the Mrs got a “Can You Take The Heat?” cookbook sold by the World Wrestling Federation, A mostly 'meat an taters' kind of cooking.

..

..

..

Yeah, she does use it, occasionally…
16 October 2009
at 1:38 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

ronda, i used to have a copy of the betty crocker cookbook, which of course, is like a culinary bible. i need to buy another one. that one fell apart from so much use.
16 October 2009
at 1:39 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Funny, Roe. Will 'we' backyarders be tasting a cake at some point and time from that cookbook? The “Can You Take the Heat?” cookbook sounds fun. And if there is anyone who can take the heat, I just bet it is Mrs. Roe.

Lonelane_1, I have the same cookbook. It should be a staple in every kitchen. Maybe there should be one inside every oven! :) I agree…for basic knowledge it is a winner.
16 October 2009
at 1:41 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

honey, it is funny that as much as I use mine, and often turn to the same well worn pages, you'd think I would have the recipe memorized. Seems as soon as I get to the actual page it all comes back to me, but I sure rely on it being at hand.
16 October 2009
at 1:50 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

i think i should see if they have the BC cookbook in binder format instead of the regular book style. maybe it would be a bit more durable that way… and i could flip to recipes w/out wearing out the backing. what do you think?

16 October 2009
at 1:53 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

Hell I must have 200 cookbooks. Don't look at any of them anymore. I just go cook. But on occassion I will reference the Joy of Cooking for some basic science or ideas. Once in awhile have to consult with Paul Prudomme on some finer points.
16 October 2009
at 2:12 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

honey, I think that is a swell idea. You could even have it laminated if you so desire…or just call autie and he can tell you the recipe over the phone! ;)

autie, that is a heck of a collection of cook books. I don't think I even have that many salt and pepper shakers…

Paul Prudomme….share the name of your favorite cookbook or two, please. And a 'duck soup' recipe. ararar! ;)
16 October 2009
at 2:14 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

do you guys think the internet has lessened sales of cookbooks? i have, on several occasions, typed the name of a recipe into a search engine and i found that to be very useful!

i usually cook by memory or by inspiration as well, autie. i've come up w/ some kick-ass dishes just from combining things on my own.
16 October 2009
at 2:15 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

speaking of which (re: the internet), i've been meaning to look up a dip that a friend of mine brought ot a party years ago. its called mississippi caviar and its made w/ black eyed peas. super duper yummy!!
16 October 2009
at 2:20 p.m.

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1029 (Anonymous) says…

I like “Dinner's Right Outside the Door”. It's got a lot of good acorn recipes.
16 October 2009
at 3:14 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Hey everybody — sorry to be late in letting you have the afternoon off. Please enjoy the rest of your day!

I have a large collection of cookbooks, too. I only have two or three that I use on a regular basis but can't seem to resist picking up new ones to look at.

My favorite cookbook is one I received for my high school graduation in 1981 from some children I babysat for. It is Pillsbury Kitchens' Family Cookbook. I turn to it for general questions and also have an excellent banana bread recipe that I make from it.

My other favorite cookbook is called Country Ground Beef — you guessed it — all the recipes in it are made from ground beef. I got it from my mom.

Another favorite is from Pace and is called A Treasury of Tex Mex Cooking. I received it as a Christmas gift many years ago.

I have one more, Rival Best Loved Crock Pot Recipes. I love cooking with my crock pot and am always looking for things to make in the crock pot.

I also have a hard time resisting the recipe books you see in line at the checkout stands!

Ok, off to work Late Night in the Phog. I hope to see some of you soon!
16 October 2009
at 3:37 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

roe thats makes me thinkin wed rite up a bunch a gooder stufs folk likes an jus rite us a cuzins cookin boooks sos folk ud no morr boutit an goods stuffs wes likes cuz it beeter sides n thjat ms ronada wooda specked us to coms up withs sum czins nosense stuff an my resticppes wood be fer the hole meel like night. i.e. for them smarts aleck college kids I be cookinfer two nite:

Seared filet mignon with roasted red potatoes and dill served with lightly steamed asparagus spears. Salata con fromage de bleu. Artisan French bread with garlic. Complimented by a nice 1974 pinot noir.
but i cant talk boutit rite noow.
16 October 2009
at 3:51 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

That sounds rite nic now, oddee….hehehe

Hey, I figured that cuzin cook book would have lots of skunk and possum and a few rat recipes….road kill out the wazoo…:)

honey, glad you mentioned the internet. I would imagine it has the sales of all books going down. I have lost a recipe that was written on a recipe card before - thinking earthquake cake here - and google it and find a few choices. It is so easy, doesn't get torn or chocolate smeared! It just isn't the same as having the family DNA on a page under your starving little index finger though now does it?

1029, thank you. I love acorn squash recipes. Any good soup ones you care to share?

schula, thanks for naming your favorites. I know you are a terrific cook so they must work for you. Thanks for the early hours off on a Friday - can always use to them bake a cake or something.

16 October 2009
at 3:54 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

omg autie i jes thinkin uv rhe posbillytees wow i doan thinnk i evr tole nobodie bout ooey gooey stewwy that be whut me an the guys useta cook jes thro a little everthang in da mix on las day camped sumtimes fantastical sumtimes gets the bellyake but “Cuzins Cookbook, To Be Takun With A Grain Uf Salt” we gone hav to kolabberait on thisun maybee co-prodoose it hot dang mabee evn hav sum thees uther posters sen favritt rednek downhoem cuzins ressapees to be pubblashd atta laetr date im hyppoventralatin jes thinkin boutit
16 October 2009
at 4:27 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

wes couds be millooairs mabe an that ooey stuff sounds like my otherd cuzins ressapee for what thems call cadillac jack thems take all kindy can up goods likes pees an corns an grean beens ans stuff an boils her up in a big ass pot an witf sum pig meat sawsages an whatnot them boils it all then danged if thems dint put off sum eggs right off in the pot witha ll that an its wuz danged good after bein up two earely in the bowt and runnin up a bunch a big catfish an drinkin beeres that eraly in the moranin plusin my son off in law noes some two cuz he cookes up stuffs in them mountaains up wesst fer city slickers fellers frum new jorke cities fer more mony then Davy Crockets gots.
16 October 2009
at 4:29 p.m.

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Machiavelli_mania (Anonymous) says…

The Joy Of Cooking (call caps)

and

Aphrodite (all caps), Isabel Allende's cookbook, stories, and ponderings.
http://www.isabelallende.com/aphrodit…
I do go to this book a lot.
16 October 2009
at 4:30 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

uh roedy i forgetted i cant talk bouit rite nows cause we gots to due this her otherethang now theys calls”

Haute cusine de Provencal. It is from the blood of my forefathers. And no, we are not cooking a cousin.
16 October 2009
at 4:45 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

Cookbooks are for Julia Child loving, PBS watching ninnies, making them thereby be, ipso facto, by defacto: thin little pancake eaters.
16 October 2009
at 5:12 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

That would be Ms “Julia Child loving, PBS watching ninnies, making them thereby be, ipso facto, by defacto: thin little pancake eaters.” to you Mr. Ret…and don't you forget it again.

oddee and row…I think ye hav yursefs a wiener….don be forgettin yur pour kin livin her in Quantril quantry….
16 October 2009
at 6:30 p.m.

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Satirical (Anonymous) says…

www.allrecipes.com
16 October 2009
at 6:41 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

sat, considering the top recipe on the link was for Naan bread…you just gave us a winner! Granted it isn't a cookbook per se, but that sure is one recipe I will personally try - hopefully before the weekend is over! Thanks.

16 October 2009
at 7:49 p.m.

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pace (Anonymous) says…

I love the “joy of cooking” and searchlight, and betty crocker, but my little secret is a paperback, called the “international grandmothers cookbook” I adapted the Jewish grandmothers' hazelnut torte to an almond torte and it is now classic.
1lb fine ground almond, 8 eggs seperated, whites whipped, yolks mixed with 1/c sugar, all folded, baked 350 with whipped cream frosting.

I also use the Japanese grandmothers' tempura recipe. There is an Italian and French grandma.
16 October 2009
at 7:51 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

I like the cookbooks the church ladies put out for fundraisers. They always seem to have awesome baked goods, casserole & dessert recipes.
16 October 2009
at 11:04 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

pace, I love tortes and will certainly give your recipe a try. Thanks for sharing it. I also love tempura and have a great recipe for 'Tillie's mustard' that a friend should be adding soon. It is a necessity for tempura…that and soy sauce.

Kat, I agree. They usually include wonderful layered casseroles and desserts to die for. They often bring them to funerals. How fitting is that! ;)
16 October 2009
at 11:54 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Me and Sis are putting together Granma's Cookbook.

We have all these old hand-written and cutout recipes that she saved.

Clear back to about 1923.

Yummy stuff!

See, Grandma's Mom died in the flu epidemic in 1918, so Granma was the cook for all the other kids and her Dad.

Got a pic of Grandma during the flapper days.

I'll put it up on a blog sometime.
17 October 2009
at 2:08 a.m.

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riverdrifter (Anonymous) says…

Weber's Grilling Cookbook. Came out about 20 years ago. Mine is by now bound up with duct tape. Great marinades, sauces and grilling tips.
17 October 2009
at 5:39 a.m.

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smitty (Anonymous) says…

We all have our own version of the same cook book. The name varies according to the school event. Mine came from a fund raiser by our PTA. It's the favorite family recipes of all those goodies donated for the bazaar and cake walks.

My personal favorite….. Wild Foods Foods Cookbook-Billy Joe Tatum's wild foods field guide and cookbook.
17 October 2009
at 7:56 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Marion, that would be a cool way to honor your Granma and stick a bit of family history in with the mix - photos, etc. I think every family should do this with one of their relative”s favorite hobbies or passions to pass along to the next generation. Nothing is the same as holding that recipe book in your hand and knowing the person you loved who is now deceased used to hold it, left their undeniable mark along the spine of the book as well as your own. I miss my Grandma! :(

So much love (sweat, tears, creativity) goes into cooking favorites for our friends and family….sometimes it goes unspoken, but rarely without appreciation.

river, do you have one or two recipes that you go back to time and time again that you care to share? Do you ever worry about E coli when you are handling the pages! ;)

smitty, now that is a cookbook that cuzins roe and autie could get behind. Sounds as though it gives background info on mushrooms, berries…any recipes for dandelion wine?
17 October 2009
at 12:33 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

i don't like this thread. its making me hungry.

17 October 2009
at 2:12 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

You can always run off a copy of it, add chocolate syrup….ingest! Does that sound helpful?

I am still waiting forTillie's mustard recipe to appear. I want some for my tempura very badly. ;)
17 October 2009
at 4:18 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

I just hope the chicken is done before game time. Mayberry dinner tonight.
17 October 2009
at 6:01 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Fired chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn? What else? Cornbread or biscuits? ;)

Our little backyarders are getting together and having our cake as well as eating it. Recipes tomorrow perhaps!
17 October 2009
at 6:03 p.m.

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Bunny_Hotcakes (Anonymous) says…

Does “the internet” count as a cookbook? I have a hodgepodge of tried and true recipes that I've printed off and organized in a binder. That binder is my go-to resource for cooking. I've also got a copy of MasterCook on my PC that I've been hoarding electronic cookbooks for. My favorite part of it is the nutritional counts—if I'm feeling like a calorie fascist, I can put recipes in there to figure out how much they're going to “cost” me.

Aside from that, it's hard to say. I've got a bunch of cookbooks I use a recipe or two out of. I have a bunch of Weight Watchers cookbooks that contain a few gems among the “WTFery” generally contained within diet cookbooks. (Take Out Tonight is my favorite WW book.) I like Cooking Light magazine, or at least the “superfast suppers” segment. The rest of it is a bunch of expensive, time consuming frippery that is too involved for weeknight cooking. You can't beat good old Better Homes & Gardens for basic recipes that can be adapted to your own tastes. I keep every issue of Cook's Illustrated they send me, and their “Best Light Recipe” book is pretty good if a little heavy on the narrative. They do love to navel-gaze. When I was branching out beyond box 'n' bag cooking, Betty Crocker's Cooking Basics was a godsend. It taught me timing, which if you ask me is one of the toughest things for a newbie cook to master. I still cook a couple of the recipes out of that book—they're solid.
17 October 2009
at 8:14 p.m.

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riverdrifter (Anonymous) says…

“river, do you have one or two recipes that you go back to time and time again that you care to share? Do you ever worry about E coli when you are handling the pages! ”

I worry most about baad cooking!

There is great romesco sauce recipe in there, goes something like this:
grill 2 red bell peppers until they are sizzling, blistered, fairly blackened & look like they should be thrown away. Put in bowl and cover with wrap & let steam for 10 or so minutes. Toast 1/4 C almonds in a pan. 4 cloves garlic, process in food processor with almonds. 1/2 C Italian parsley, loosely packed. Peel, seed & slice up peppers, discarding peels & seeds and process with the parsley & everything else, adding dash of cayenne pepper. Slowly add in ~1/4 C olive oil & process until smooth. Salt to taste. Serve with anything, great as dip, whatever. People who tell me they hate bell peppers like this. You can google up hundreds of different romesco recipies, but this is my favorite.
17 October 2009
at 9:50 p.m.

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thebcman (Anonymous) says…

My Betty Crocker cookbook is in binder format. (1986 edition)
My Better Homes & Garden cookbook has been used so much it's held together with duct tape, but still has pages falling out (1989 edition).
Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats is also very wonderful … 'specially for finding recipes you can make in 30 minutes.
Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe is a great vegetarian cookbook.
Also have the “Grandma's Recipes” collection from a time long gone.
Farm Journal's Country Fair Cookbook (1975) and Country Cookbook (1959) are good as well.
Balanced Recipes by Pillsbury (1933) in a metal frame is fun to look at but obviously very outdated.
18 October 2009
at 6:53 a.m.

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smitty (Anonymous) says…

There are so many berry variations…desserts to vinegars to wine to puddings to jams/jellies to sauces, pies/tarts, cakes, puddings, aka fine flummery,.

Dandelion wine

2 quarts dandelion full bloom flowers and leaves-remove stems
4 quarts of water
1 tsp wild ginger root
2 seedless organges-pulverized
1 lemon- seeded and pulverized
6 cups sugar
1 envelope or 1 cake of yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water

1..combine dandelions, water, ginger, organges, lemon, sugar,and water in enameled kettle, bring to a boil. Let simmer for 1 hour.

2..strain into a 2 gallon crock through 2 layers of dampened muslin or several layers of dampened cheese cloth.

3..cool until you can comfortably put your finger in the juice.

4..dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add to crock.

5..let mixture stand for 1 week, undisturbed, in cheesecloth covered crock. Strain wine and pour into bottles, filling them to the base of the bottle neck.

6..store bottles unsealed for 4 weeks covered with a cloth.

7..cork bottles and store at least until x-mas for full flavor. Decant the wine before serving it.

makes 2 gallon

There's a dandelion root coffee recipe, too.
Also, several recipes for morel mushrooms.

This time of year my foraging calls for black walnuts, rose hips, sumac, mint, and garlic, crab apples for easy pickings. Missed the pawpaw season in September though.

Don't give roe and autie no never mind anyway. They the kind that's eat but won't go help none exceptin' the wine gatherin'.
18 October 2009
at 10:20 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Bunny, I would have to say the internet does count these days. It is wonderful to have a recipe for anything (and scores to choose from) so handily at our fingertips. I have tried several, or if I can't find one I'm hunting for in hard copy form I know I can find it somewhere 'out there'… I agree with you that timing is essential when cooking. Not only in that each item is cooked to its 'perfection' (I know this varies from one person's tastes to another), but also getting everything finished on time when you're hosting a family gathering or a huge event. That seems to be a practice makes perfect for me and I seem to have the knack for knowing when different things will be finished at this point in time. I sure enjoy those make ahead recipes too - they never hurt.

river, I will try the romesco sauce recipe you shared…it looks yummy and not particularly difficult. Thank you!

abc, I have heard about “Small Planet” recipes for quite some time - I should see what is listed on the internet for them. I have often wanted to become vegetarian and have not due to being unorganized, too lazy, too much of a meat craver…something. I will check it out and see if I can find more yummy veggie recipes to incorporate into my diet.

smitty, I can't believe you actually shared one! Thank you. That sure seems like a lot of dandelions, but I believe I will have enough come next spring. I am excited about seeing what it tastes like.

18 October 2009
at 6:17 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Cookbooks are obsolete.
Gimme Gastronomical Preparation Software (GPS)…
iPhonic… turn-by-turn.
19 October 2009
at 11 a.m.

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lily (Anonymous) says…

I use my Better Homes and Garden all the time along with an NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) auxiliary cookbook.
My other constant is literally a bag filled with old recipes that my Mom used with not only cards but clippings, recipes on the back of receipts that someone would give her while out and about etc.

I've gotten old cookbooks from the library sales and like someone else said they are filled with the usuals but you find a treasure now and then. Willing Workers clubs, law enforcement, schools, churches.
19 October 2009
at 11:21 a.m.

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ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

Fannie Farmer has always been tried and true. I also have an affinity for church ladies cookbooks and will pick them up at sales every chance I get.
One of my favorite cookbooks was one that I picked up at the library book sale. Democratic and Republican wive's recipes from the 1960's.
Don't know if you have heard of the Pioneer woman blog, but she has a cookbook coming out now. She has some excellent recipes!
19 October 2009
at 11:28 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Ilovelucy, I will try to read the Pioneer Woman's blog and look for her cookbook as well. What type of cooking (besides Pioneer) does she do?

Demo and Republican cookbooks, huh? Dare I ask which is better? Does it depend on the political climate? ;) I need more church lady cookbooks too. Those are usually family favorites and often have an ethnic or heritage flavor to them.

lily, a bag filled with old recipes. I bet you could put those together and sell your own book! Any favorites you care to share? Thanks.
19 October 2009
at 11:35 a.m.

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puzzler (Anonymous) says…

One of my favorites is the Baldwin Arts Council Chocolate Auction Cookbook. Yummy!!!

I love the church lady cookbooks too. I have at least 3 and use them all the time.
19 October 2009
at 12:10 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Great blog, Ronda!

Not necessarily in order:

1) Joy of Cooking — first cookbook I owned. And the first thing I made out of it was Beef Stroganoff. I've turned to JofC many more times in the (…..) years since then — and I've never replaced my old copy with a newer version.

2) The Kansas Cookbook, by Frank Carey and Jayni Naas (1989). I heartily recommend this one. I have never made anything out of it that didn't turn out fabulous. And all the little stories about Kansas towns and people are fun to read. (This is the same Jayni as “Jayni's Kitchen” on Channel 6.)

3) The Frog Commissary Cookbook. Originally published in the mid-1980s, when I bought my copy. Went out of print for a while; reprinted in 2001. NOT a health-conscious bunch of recipes, but if you're looking for something special for a party or a special dinner, you can't go wrong with this collection.

I also love the “church lady” cookbooks — the older the better. I love the reprinted “Hints” from someone's great-grandmother, like how you can use snow if you don't have any eggs (and if you stir it in quickly). And I have a few wonderful old cookbooks; one from an early 1900s “domestic science” course (first chapter is how to make your own apron and cap) and (the gem of my collection) “Practical Housekeeping 1888” which came to me with lots of extra recipes and hints pasted inside the covers. That one is fun for just plain reading — I've never actually made any of the recipes!
19 October 2009
at 1 p.m.

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ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

thepioneerwoman.com. She is a rancher's wife in OK. She has “rancher's” favorites, smashed potatoes, some great beef recipes, desserts, etc. Her website is a hoot and her love story is pretty good too.
I just love her recipes because they are easier to make and some are just several ingredient recpies.
As far as the demo/repub cookbooks, it was a mix of wives from the house of reps and senators in KS.
I also have a few from Pilot clubs in small KS towns, and some sorority ones too.
I think I just like to collect them as much as anything.
19 October 2009
at 1:08 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

I forgot to mention that I also turn to allrecipes.com at times. If I've used a recipe in the past (from a magazine, for instance) but now I can't find it, I often find it there. The search engine is helpful; if you don't know the exact name of the dish, you can search on ingredients used.

It also offers a “Private Recipe Box” option, where I have started to enter in my handwritten recipes, but I'm starting to realize now that an index card is a lot easier to have on hand in the kitchen than a laptop.

19 October 2009
at 3:35 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

puzzler, I'll see if I can locate that…is it sold anyplace in particular that you're aware of?

A friend of mine and her husband had probably 200 cookbooks…talk about a collection! WOW

Kansas, thanks for your input. I love to watch Jayni's show and hope she'll invite me on sometime so I can do some crazy cooking…maybe me and the cuzins can make a special comedy of errors appearance! :) I hope she does her own clean up though….I especially enjoyed reading the last part of your post. I imagine some of those items on how to sew your apron, please your husband, etc. are rather hysterical to read…and maybe a teeny bit sexist? Yeah?

Ilovelucy, thank you for adding the site. I will be sure to make something from it this week…along with some naan!
Yes, there are times a laptop takes up a wee bit too much space. iPhone's are short though!
19 October 2009
at 3:59 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

thepioneerwoman.com. She is a rancher's wife in OK. She has “rancher's” favorites, smashed potatoes, some great beef recipes, desserts, etc. Her website is a hoot and her love story is pretty good too.
I just love her recipes because they are easier to make and some are just several ingredient recpies.
As far as the demo/repub cookbooks, it was a mix of wives from the house of reps and senators in KS.
I also have a few from Pilot clubs in small KS towns, and some sorority ones too.
I think I just like to collect them as much as anything.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The steak bites recipe is awesome! Pretty much just meat and butter and oh so good!
19 October 2009
at 4:44 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, I'll have to copy some out and post them. There is some good stuff in there, even a lot on how to raise your children (I guess “Practical Housekeeping” covers a broad range!). For instance, it says that you should never let your children play jump-rope, because it can hurt their brains!
19 October 2009
at 5:47 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Kat, okay, steak bites it will be for my first try then. It is hard to beat that combo of steak with butter. Yum….and yet again it becomes so clear to me why I don't become a vegetarian.

Kansas, that sounds delightfully fun. I'll write a blog soon about old wife's tales…you can add it to that one. I have a friend who is pregnant so we can honor her in the blog and give some addled advice! ;) Thanks! btw, I think I jumped rope way too much.
19 October 2009
at 8:58 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Ronda — here is the recipe for the cake I made for the backyard gathering on Saturday night.

Brownie Pudding Cake

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup unsweetened coca powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in bowl. Add milk, melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; stir until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in 10 x 13 pan.

2. In small bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of cocoa; gradually stir in boiling water and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Carefully pour mixture evenly over batter in pan.

3. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Can be served warm with whipped topping or ice cream.
19 October 2009
at 9:36 p.m.

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LadyJ (Anonymous) says…

If your child is reading Little House on the Prairie books, there is a Little House on the Prairie Cookbook that has the recipes for all the food mentioned in the book and how to cook them pioneer style. We loved making pioneer food.
19 October 2009
at 10:20 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

LadyJ, thanks! What a fun way to honor the period in which the book was written and make it really come alive to the reader. I love interactive reading and activities. I remember reading stone soup and having the best of times making the soup with my two after wards. I bet some of those may be listed on the internet as well so I'll see if I can find them. Thanks for this suggestion!

Loved your pudding cake, schula! Thanks for the recipe!
19 October 2009
at 10:21 p.m.

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kristyj (Anonymous) says…

More With Less. No pictures, great recipes with basic ingredients.

19 October 2009
at 10:28 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

kristyj, thanks for your recommendation. I love simple recipes with standard ingredients so I don't have to stop in the middle and make a store run.

Here is the recipe for the pumpkin swirl brownies I made Saturday night. We served these and scula's recipe with cool whip. I would add walnuts to the brownie part of the recipe…very tasty indeed! A lot of other pumpkin recipes on this same link Enjoy!

http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/us/cali…

Still waiting on Mrs. Roe's cake recipe….hint…hint…hint. I was so stuffed that I took her piece home and enjoyed it all by itself - which it deserved. Schula's recipe would also be terrific with fresh raspberries on top!
19 October 2009
at 10:59 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, I forgot to add that this was my favorite part of this blog entry:

“The Indian cookbook I picked up on sale at Borders - I love to look at the colorful pages and exotic spices before I close it and go out to eat at India Palace. ”

Hahahahahaha!!! Oh, that sounds so much like my household…. it's almost impossible for us to resist the lure of India Palace. When the Saturday morning chores are finished, it's great to head over there for lunch! And I can imagine that if we had a cookbook like that in the house, we'd be heading over to IP even more often!
20 October 2009
at 9:16 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Kansas, yes, every time I think I will pull out one of those recipes and make the dish, I realize I don't have the spices I need and I can't make all the dishes I want to eat anyway.

I love their buffet….just too good to have all those terrific choices. I don't think there is anything I don't like that they serve up. So many fattening cream dishes!!! Yum. Okay, now YOU'VE been the cause of my desire to eat there. They have delivered to my house before. Did you know that? ;) I truly think I could eat there daily. I do want to spend some time and energy fixing my favorite foods though….it would be so nice!

Last year we ordered a pick up for the day before Christmas and guess what our family ate on Christmas Day? I am lucky my son and daughter are as big a fans as I am. No cooking for me (except for pies), and little clean up. We'll probably do the same this year….maybe even Thanksgiving! The nicest part was that a friend gave me a gift certificate to the place so it was even paid for! Now that is a sterling Christmas gift. ;)
20 October 2009
at 11:46 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

they deliver?!?!?! :-o

Oh now you've done it!!
20 October 2009
at 11:50 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Actually I like the idea — who says we have to be slaves to the turkey dinner???

Calvin Trillin always said that if he had his way, the national dish would be spaghetti carbonara!

I now feel convinced that (unbeknownst to us) our paths must have crossed at IP on some weekend!
21 October 2009
at 12:51 a.m.

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livetocook (Anonymous) says…

1. 1080 Recipes-Simone and Ines Ortega (Spanish Joy of Cooking)
2.Larousse Gastronomique. (The only book I know that has a gastronomic committee)
3.The Escoffier ( For fundamental cooking, mother sauces)
4.Joy of Cooking (Culinary road map)
5.El Bulli (Pure entertainment)
21 October 2009
at 7:47 a.m.

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jemerson (Anonymous) says…

This is a recipe that you will want to try..(I know from experience that Ronda Miller loves it). It came from the mother of a man that used to run the downtown Casbah Cafe back in the late 1970's/early 80's when they had really good, classy food. The recipe is “Tillie's Mustard” ..to be served with deep fried vegetable tempura (and don't forget the soy sauce!):
Tillie's Mustard:
Mix 1/3 cup dry mustard with 1/3 white vinegar. Allow to stand overnight. Combine 2 eggs, 3 cups sugar and a pinch of salt with whip. Add mustard mixture. Cook in double boiler until sauce thickens to coat spoon. Allow to cool, and dilute with about 1/2 cup mayonaisse. Store in refrigerator. It's a good idea to find a recipe that will allow you to keep the tempura breading light around the vegetable when you deep fry..and, then dip it in the mustard once the veggie has cooked down just a bit..don't get burned!
21 October 2009
at 7:51 a.m.

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jemerson (Anonymous) says…

One more recipe!
Tempura Batter:
2 eggs
1 c water
beat & add flour

Deep fry cut vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, something with texture works best) in good clean hot oil..don't get burned! Let sit on paper towels before dipping (to absorb excess oil of course).

21 October 2009
at 9:10 a.m.

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jemerson (Anonymous) says…

I'm on a roll! somebody stop me!
pumkin pie with gingersnap crust

35 gingersnap cookies
2/3 c plus 2 Tbl light brown sugar
2 tbl canola oil
1 15ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree
1/3 c granulated sugar
1 tbl cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmet
1 c evaporated skim milk
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
3 tbl dark rum
1/3 c whipping cream 1 tbl confectioners' sugar
preheat oven to 325
9-inch pie plate
crust: gingersnaps, b sugar, oil..make crumbs..sit in oven 5 min increase oven afterwards to 350

whisk everything else together! pour into pie shell
bake 35-40 min or until filling is set
careful, don't burn crust..can cover with foil if needed
top with whipped cream when cooled down..(whip cream until soft peaks form, adding confectioners sugar).
OK I'm done!
Happy Halloween!
21 October 2009
at 9:29 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Kansas, just don't send me the bill! I have fantasized about working there long enough to get their recipes down. Have you mastered any East Indian dishes? I love African food…I love most cultural foods..Okay, I love all food! ;) Odd your comment about crossing paths as I was just thinking the same thing earlier. I hope you aren't the person who always takes the last of the naan right before I arrive!

lovetocook, thanks for the names of your favorites - I loved your descriptions! very fun.

jemerson…thanks for that recipe I have been demanding and begging for. Tillie's mustard would be a terrific gift to hand someone for Christmas or the holidays in a pretty jar with the tempura recipe added…even a birthday. I now owe jemerson an invite over for tempura. I have found when making the tempura batter to make it thin enough that it lightly coats a finger when you dip it in. Just don't try dipping your finger into the hot oil after wards. As jem mentions….you can easily get burned.

What do I love in my tempura: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots are sweet, sweet potatoes are sweeter still, onions, mushrooms, zucchini (although it cooks faster so don't add until a bit after the other veggies), turnips, and even chunks of pineapple or pumpkin would be goodie.

I know jem loves making gingersnaps too - she is a ginger maniac. Do you ever add ginger to your Chi tea?
21 October 2009
at 9:47 a.m.

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labyrinth (Anonymous) says…

I am in the Allrecipes category these days. In all the moves, most of my books have slipped away. One time I donated one to a burned out family. That was my Good Housekeeping from the old days; got ready to cook and … you know the rest. The one special book that I keep is my mama's with the WWII substitutions. Thank goodness you can use cocoa instead of chocolate!!!! Have you noticed that church cookbooks around the country all contain about the same recipes? I find that awesome. My friend would ask, Chance or Divine Intervention? Thanks for the recipes you've included. I just ate but find myself drooling. Do any of you send samples? l
21 October 2009
at 10:02 a.m.

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Take_a_letter_Maria (Anonymous) says…

The cookbook I grab most often is the spiral bound notebook that I used to copy down all of my favorite recipes from my Mom when I left for school 30 years ago. There are lots of “recipes” in there that don't have exact measurements, just a whole lot of notes regarding seasoning to taste or add what you've got left in the fridge. The favorite recipes in it though are for peanut butter brownies and chicken parmesian (sp?).
I do own two different versions of the Joy of Cooking though and they both get pulled out for that “security blanket” feeling as I'm working on an old favorite.
21 October 2009
at 10:13 a.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Hahahaha! Ronda, I was thinking of the frequent times when they finally bring out a bowl of fresh naan and dump it in the bin, and all the people who've been waiting for it line up patiently — and then the person at the front of the naan-line takes enough for their whole table and then some, leaving one or two crispy ones for the rest of the folks! Argghhhhhh!!!

(p.s. that isn't me either :) )
21 October 2009
at 10:30 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

lab, I think you should ask for Good Housekeeping for Christmas or birthday this year. It sounds like you are most deserving. Giving someone a cook book when their house burned down is about as nice a gift as you can give. While I hate to disappoint that we don't send recipes, we do share them often at our backyard gatherings. Any of you who want to be included to that monthly event feel free to email me. They are generally the second Sat. of each month and have always been at a Mexican rest…I am betting Kansas person might join in if they are at India Palace next time! ;) Our last one included cakes…November really should be about pie don't you think?

Take_a_letter, I bet you could type that up and sell it! Call it “Mama's Cookin Up Something Special” or some such.

Kansas, okay, now I think we are the same person. I don't like the thin and crispy ones either (although they're better than nothing). I love them hot and fluffy! And I have been known to take several for the people (usually my son, daughter, or lonelane_1) at my table. Have you tried making them? Do you enjoy any of the sauces to dip them in? I love the brown, green….not sure the names!
21 October 2009
at 11:25 a.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

And here I thought your “backyard gatherings” were actually in a backyard! I had visions of you all bravely facing down the changeable weather, the mosquitoes, etc….. Oh what a disillusioning morning this is! :)

I'd love to come — I'll email you. (I like Mexican restaurants too.)

I've never tried to make any Indian food, but I have a recipe for chicken t. m. bookmarked on allrecipes.com. The reviewers said it was very good and very authentic-tasting. Looking forward to trying it.

I love all those sauces too! I even like to mix them together. A little of the brown stuff, some of that green stuff, and some of that mango chutney — maybe even a bit of that brightly colored onion stuff. My tastebuds get confused, in a good way.

I like my naan a little bit burnt on the edges. But then, I like burnt toast, so I'm just weird that way.

We may have to get together one of these times!
21 October 2009
at 12:22 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Kansas, you aren't the first person to think we actually met in the backyard. We are a rather spoiled and nerdy group so we sit in comfort and eat. Although we have been known to sit outside a restaurant on a patio and feed mosquitos and chiggers!

Yeah, I go back and forth between which sauce I like the best myself. I think whichever one is in my mouth at the time. I just now tried to make some naan, but I didn't have any yeast (yeah, can you believe that!) so I am making a baking powder one. I'll let you know how it goes. I also am going to cook it on my George Foreman. I cook everything with George! It should leave nice lines on it and make it look fancy and grilled.

I'll send you a private and let you know when and where our next backyard event happens. From what I remember we know a certain person or two in common (one who had a little fellow I wrote a blog about recently).

21 October 2009
at 12:37 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Excellent! Thank you; I look forward to it. :)

I hate chiggers. That's all I'm sayin' about that.

And I'm loving the leaves today.

And to get back to the cookbook topic for a moment, I forgot to mention that I signed up for the “Saving Dinner” Menu Mailers for a little while at one time (it was actually a gift from someone else) and it was pretty handy. Like similar services, this one provides recipes and grocery lists for a week or so at a time. This particular one rotates by the season, which I really appreciate — not only do I prefer to eat foods in season, I also like not having to use the oven in the summer.
21 October 2009
at 5:04 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I'm not familiar with “Saving Dinner” Menus..I'll have to check and see if I can find some online…perhaps you'll be requested to share at a function. I agree that I love to bake and cook in the late fall and winter, but come later spring and summer I enjoy cold plates and the Foreman grill. I do use my Dutch oven year round though.

Hate chiggers…obviously related to cuzins roe and autie….
21 October 2009
at 10:55 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

You can look at her website at savingdinner.com — I just checked and she's added a ton of new stuff since I was last there.

Not every recipe is a winner, but I really love the sweet potato and black bean burritos that I learned from her!
22 October 2009
at 8:57 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

I hate the chiggers — at the last backyard dinner that we ate outside at my ankles were covered in chigger/mosquito bites. I am glad that we are eating inside again!
22 October 2009
at 9:03 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Thanks, Kansas. I love sweet potatoes and black bean so I would enjoy those. I need some great squash stew or soup recipes so I'll see if that site offers some.

schula, yes, if it warmed up enough now we would be rid of those nasty pests. Hopefully they have been frozen by now, but it is comfy inside anyway.
22 October 2009
at 9:12 a.m.

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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…

Google search.
23 October 2009
at 8:13 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

jonas, yes, immediate, clean, endless and right at our fingertip. I just saw the new cookbook application for iPhones last night. Wow! I can hardly wait to have it installed on my iPhone.
24 October 2009
at 8:56 p.m.

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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…

Hello there…my all time fav is “The Kaw Valley Cookbook” printed back in the 70's….I make the chicken in a sack all the time… Ronda your kitchen is smaller than mine…roflmao

24 October 2009
at 9:14 p.m.

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Defender (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, if you're looking for a wonderful soup recipe, then check this out:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sa…

Tortilla Soup from the Blue Corn Cafe in New Mexico. I a m not the best at making soup, and my first attempt at this one resulted in the best soup I ever had. My friends and family told me the same as well.

For cookbooks, I love:

The Barbeque Bible by Steve Raichlen
Indoor Grilling by Steve Raichlen
Of course, the best basic book for cooking, Betty Crocker
Any and all cookbooks by America's Test Kitchen (on PBS)
The Classic Pasta Cookbook by Giuliano Hazan
Every church cookbook ever printed
2 November 2009
at 11:49 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Thanks, defender! Just now noticed this. I love Tortilla soup and I have never tried making it. I love New Mexican style cooking as well so this should be a hit for me!

Thanks for naming the cookbooks you enjoy as well. I certainly agree about the church cookbooks!

susie, go ahead and rub it in. I have the world's smallest kitchen. I could say I can barely turn around in it, but people might suspect my physical condition rather than the size! It is big enough to make a meal or two though! Don't want wasted space ya know! hehe