Better Homes and Gardens circa 1947
I love cookbooks. I really enjoy small church syndicated spiral bound cookbooks. I especially love old cookbooks that have been endlessly poured over by someone in the past. Recipes that have been passed down generation to generation are of course priceless.
History pops off the page with every dog-eared tab and stared recipe. I create the sights and smells of the dishes being prepared as I wrap up my imagination in the potential delivery of a meal made over 60 years ago. Birthday banquet? Company cuisine? Daily dinner? What was going on in the world during this “meal” prepared from the brand new 1947 Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book?
- Cost of a gallon of gas: 15 cents
- Average cost of new house: $6,600.00
- CIA established
- The United Nations General Assembly votes to partition Palestine between Arabs and Jews.
- Jackie Robinson took to the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers becoming the first negro to play in Major League Baseball.
- The start of the Cold War which endured over four decades, from circa 1947 until the decline and eventual collapse of East European and Soviet state communism in the late 1980s.
- The transistor is invented.
- The sound barrier broken (traveling faster than sound)
- British seize “Exodus 1947″ ship of Jewish immigrants to Palestine
- Gentleman’s Agreement, Miracle on 34th Street, Great Expectations, The Bishop’s Wife came out in theaters.
- WW II peace treaties signed
- WW II sugar rationing finally ended in U.S., began May 28, 1942
- 1st “Howdy Doody Show,” (Puppet Playhouse), telecast on NBC
Newspaper clipping recipe for Top Velvety Chocolate Cake with Fudge and Marshmallow
“Helpful” tips from this BHG Cook Book edition:
When presenting food left overs one must belie the origins completely.
Warm and cold meals can be served any time of the year. One will need more warm meals in the winter months to allow oneself to maintain proper body temperature.
Keeping ones strength up is important to endure long work days. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats all work to ensure energy in ones day. If you become very active it is best to include many fats in ones food.
May how things have changed. Although, some remains the same. Cake is good and War is hell.
Love,
Jess
