March 22, 2013

The ABCs of Cooking from the Mid-1900s: Canapes, Chafing Dishes, Cocktails, and ‘Jiffy’ Cooking

Highlights from four different reprinted cookbooks from the mid-1900s. Fun to look back and see what we ate way back then, and how society was in general.

The ABC of Canapes

The ABC of Canapes was first published in 1953 when canapes containing pimentos and sardines reigned supreme. This book is no exception, but there are several simple recipes that can be adapted for a holiday buffet today.

The ABC of Chafing Dish Cookery

Another book from the mid 50s, The ABC of Chafing Dish Cookery was published when the little chafing dish was in popularity, and people simply entertained more.

The fun in owning a chafing dish is in using it often! The more you use it the more you will want to use it, and you will find that cooking can continue right in front of your television set and you won’t miss a thing!

The ABC of Jiffy Cookery

Short on time? The ABC of Jiffy Cookery, originally published in 1961, focuses on recipes that are quick to put together or can cook left undisturbed in the oven or

The ABC of Cocktails

This 1953 reprint is a bar book that shows its ‘sign of the times’ when stiff drinks and cocktails were in order, no matter what time of day, social or business.