Vintage Betty Crocker Cook Books
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- As part of a series that looks at classic American cookbooks, we spend some time going through the Betty Crocker Picture Cookbooks from the early 1950's through the 1990's. Betty Crocker was created by General Mills and became an icon to millions of cooks. These books have became standard equipment in many kitchens and taught generations of Americans best practices in cooking and baking.
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Love your comments .
I am the designer of the 1969 and 1979 editions. I am the creator of PIe Font cover. Thank you. Proud of my contributions. Was with Golden 35 years.
❤
Hi Mr. Cosentino! It's is a real pleasure meeting you and thank you for all the history you shared in your other comment about this cookbook and your role in the photography! It's amazing work and so nice to meet the person connected to that incredible "Pie Plate" cover! Thank you!!
You could talk cookbooks till the cows come home and I'd watch every minute of it. I have very limited space in which to invest in cookbooks, so I love that you share your collection with us. Thanks for the video, Kevin!
Thanks, Nancy! Glad you are enjoying these cookbook videos!
What a treasure your library is! I love my 1971 orange pie chart cookbook, my daughter is learning how to cook many a dish from it! I had no idea there were textbook versions, I wonder if they differ much from the original. I got my 1971 copy free when someone dropped off a box of books at work, they were going to throw it out! So it went home with me. Thank you for doing these videos! ❤️
Hi Veronica! Your 1971 edition is a really great one! Whoever dropped off the box of books was probably not a cook, because that book is a must-have! Thanks!
Oh boy! I see my mom’s old cookbook, 5th from the left! I would just stare at the beautiful photos and imagine how delicious they would taste! 😊. When I got married in ‘82, I got the pie chart version. I wish I still had it.
Hi BritlnvLvr - the illustrations and photos in these books are wonderful! Thanks!
Late to the Party but I’ve finally found time to sit down watch….love these cookbook show and tells 🥰….the history is fascinating…thank you for sharing this info.
Thanks for watching, Ladythyme! Glad you enjoy the cookbook episodes!
My mom's name was Betty and when I was very young I thought she WAS Betty Crocker! Even though our last name wasn't Crocker. She kind of looked like her and with 5 kids it seemed like she was always in the kitchen. She had the 1950 version of the cookbook and by the time I was born (youngest) it was absolutely threadbare on the spine. Thanks for the video!
Hi Mary - great story about your mom! Thanks for sharing - I'm sure she seemed like Betty Crocker!
Loving this series on old cookbooks. My first cookbook from when my husband and I were married 34 yrs ago, is still being used in my kitchen. It has stains and even pages that are loose. It is a well worn and used addition in my kitchen. It is a Betty Crocker cookbook and it helped me prepare many dishes that have become are our family’s favorites. Hope you are all doing well in Michigan and are finding JOY in this holiday season❤🎄
Hi MeredithLynn! I love that you still have your old Betty Crocker cookbook and it has helped you prepare some family favorites! A worn cookbook is about the best endorsement a book can get! Wishing you and your family and Merry Christmas filled with joy and peace, and all the best in the New Year!
Real user friendly cookbooks for the beginner cook. I took home economics in 7th and 8th grades. Loved it.
Hi Jane - these really were user friendly. I can't imagine how many people learned to cook by using these books. Thanks!
This may give your history o Betty Crocker's 1970 Pie Plate version some interest and context. Recently, a friend directed my attention to the fact that my design of the 1969 Betty Crocker “Big Red” was a collectible and sold for as much as $127, five times the original price. In 1969, I was the “new kid” on the block at Golden Books. When the previous designer and art director was fired, I was told that I would design the new edition to replace Betty Crocker’s seminal 1951 Cookbook. Frankly, it was daunting. My first big project was a 400-page Music Encyclopedia, though of considerable size, it did not have the complexity and importance in the Golden booklist. Once the project was set in motion it sparked my creative energy and it became my life for a year. It required increasing my staff and that of the editorial staff, led by a demanding editor named Judy Korman. We worked closely with Betty Crocker Kitchens, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the recipes were generated and in whose studios we photographed the finished dishes. I regularly traveled to the studio in Minneapolis to supervise the photography and worked closely with General Mills’ studio staff. The work of the photoengraving staff at Western Publishing-parent company of Golden Books¬-that processed the photographs, worked tirelessly to make sure that the reproduction of the photos met the high expectations of the client Betty Crocker and our staff. The book's publishing was an immense success and millions of copies of Big Red were sold in the first year of its publication. In 1979 Big Red revised and was successful as the earlier edition. Both editions were available in hard-cover and in binder format.
Hello Mr. Cosentino! Thank you so much for your contribution to one of the most classic American cookbooks of all time! It's a real honor to hear from you here and thank you for sharing all the history of your time in the publishing industry and especially the Pie Plate edition of the Betty Crocker Cook Book! Your photographs are incredible and beautifully shot. I'm not sure if you realized what an inspiration your photos would be to thousands (if not more) cooks who would be trying the recipes and using your photos to compare their own results with the recipe. I believe your contribution, along with the excellent tested recipes, caused this particular edition to be such a successful seller. Thank you again for your work and providing the history behind the cookbook! Best wishes, Kevin
We were a Betty Crocker cookbook family! My Mom had the 1970s ring binder edition and I poured over that book like it was a great novel. When I was about 10yrs old I got the small paperback version for Christmas and I still have it!
Hi Patricia - thanks for sharing your Betty Crocker cookbook story!
Nice collection of cookbooks. Learned to cook using a Watkins cookbook from 1939. Then the 1960 Ladies Home Journel cookbook and, of course, Mom's Betty Crocker. If only we could buy clean food without bio engineered ingredients and without soybeans, additives and things I can't pronounce, maybe the recipes would taste like they used to back when they were published. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks FinFF - I have a copy of that Watkins cookbook - a great American cookbook! Yes, food production has changed over the decades, that's for sure!
My favorite that you showed is the one printed in 1971...the pie shapes on the front. My mother had that one and so did I. I have been collecting Betty Crocker cookbooks for 20 years from garage sales and new additions. I have ventured out to antique depression era cookbooks at this time. Soon I will need a whole room for my cookbooks...lol Jokes...I do think them out every so often.
Hi Jill - that's such a great edition of this cookbook! Nice to meet another cookbook collector. It would be great to have a cookbook room! Enjoy!
A great collection. It would be awesome to see a collection of Julia Child's cookbooks like that. I grew up watching her and learned so much along the way.
Hi Johnny - I have a few Julia Child cookbooks. Like you, I grew up watching her and learned a lot from her TV programs. Thanks!
I have that first “Picture Cookbook “ you showed. It was given to my mother when she came to the U.S. in 1953 as a newlywed. I wanted to preserve it’s many recipes so I scanned the entire book onto my computer. The book still sits on my shelf of cookbooks. I have that spiral bound one as well.
Hi wmalden! What a great idea to make a digital copy!! Thanks!
This and the mid 1950s Fanny farmer are my two favorite American cookbooks
Hi Nathan - Fanny Farmer is another wonderful cookbook. Thanks!
@@cavalcadeoffood You’re welcome Kevin. I really love your videos. I hope one day to make it to cavalcade. I will of course check with you to find out if you were around I’d hate to get there and only be able to look at the window!
I have a copy of the white paperback Betty Crocker's cookbook dated 1974, It's a difficult book to use as it doesn't lay flat and won't stay open because there are so many pages in it. It has some very special recipes in it, so I am glad for it. On the front it says, "Compliments of Glendale Federal Savings" just under the pie of pictures. Mine is much more worn than yours, but on the spine, the price is $1.95.
Nice collection of Betty Crocker cookbooks through the decades! Thanks for sharing. You know Betty Crocker and the Better Homes and Gardens are my go to books especially for the holiday season.
Thanks, Donna! You can't go wrong with BC and BH&G during the holidays!
As I said in the Better Homes cookbook video, I have my grandmother's pie chart version, don't recall exactly, but I think it's from either 1970/71. The one my mother had, has the burn mark from a coil burner that my youngest sister created accidentally one day back in the 70's.
It was when all three were still at home if I recall. Not certain who has it now.
Both are the hardcover versions. I don't recall using any recipe from it, but definitely have some from the Better Homes.
Thanks, John! I've seen a few cookbooks with coil marks burned on to them!
I have the 1973 version of this book! I think the chocolate chip cookie recipe is the best. Uses both shortening and butter. Quick, easy, and best of all delicious. Cheers!
Hi Adam! I don't remember using the BC chocolate chip cookie recipe - I'll have to try it! Thanks!
Fascinating walk through of the Betty Crocker cookbook history. Cookbook photography has also evolved over the decades. Scenery, lighting, angle of shot, & presentation in the book has found its trend over the years as well. Really enjoy this series on cookbooks. Looking forward to seeing more episodes. Hello to Ralph and Maryann. Thank you for sharing your collection & educating us on this. God bless.
Thanks so much, Sallie! Glad you're enjoying the cookbook series!
Hi Kevin. I have a couple of Betty Crocker cook books. One I received as a wedding shower gift in 1969. New Dinner For Two Cookbook. It only has around 150 pages. It’s in sad shape because I used the heck out of it. Another great video. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with everyone.
Hi Bonnie - I have a copy of that Dinner for Two cookbook and it sounds like you got good use out of your copy! This gives me an idea to do a video on Betty Crocker auxiliary cookbooks in the future. Thanks so much!
The main thing I learned in my semester of home ec was how to read a recipe, invaluable. I didn't take the 2nd semester and always wished that I could have. I didn't want to ask my mom to pay for the pattern, fabric and notions because she was going through a very rough patch financially. Foodstamps, commodities and Goodfellow boxes for our Christmas rough. It all works out, I guess
Hi Lisa - learning how to read a recipe is a wonderful lesson, and one that lasts throughout your cooking life. Thanks!
Another super enjoyable episode, thanks so much! I still have my mother’s 1951, 5-ring version literally falling apart and would not part with it for anything. Mom bought me the 1971 “pie chart” hardcover book as a bridal shower gift and I still refer to it. My poor book is a disaster with greasy pages falling out and the cover edges are worn down, on short a mess! I enjoy collecting vintage cookbooks mostly for the nostalgia, the unique sketches and the photos of dated dish-ware and serving pieces used at different times. Thrift shops sometimes sell these quintessential treasures but the oldest and best are becoming harder to find. Thank you Kevin for sharing your background knowledge and researching of these iconic kitchen gems!
I don't think the book is a disaster, I think it shows signs of love and dedication.
When Nana (Gloria Donahue) from Nana's Cookery was still doing videos she'd say they are disreputable and you could eat a meal off them. I thought that was funny.
Hi Diana - it's great that you have your mother's copy and your 1971 edition. Sounds like it has served you well over the years! I love vintage cookbooks for the same reasons you do - it is a fun hobby and so many wonderful recipes. Thanks!
@@colleenunvarnished 👍
Fact@@colleenunvarnished
Yes! Thank you 😊
You're welcome, Grace!
I have the 70's edition, hard cover and I treasure this book. The one recipe that I use all the time and have people begging me for is the vinegar and oil dressing that has garlic, salt and pepper added. I also switched the vinegar to red wine garlic flavored vinegar. I never give it out, it' my little secret. Well, the cats out of the bag now, but I'm 74 and I can't take the recipe with me when I pass on. My daughter and grandaughter have the recipe with the promise they don't give it away! By the way I have my mothers Watkins cookbook that she got when she lived on the farm when she first got married. I use it sparingly because of it' delicate condition. The Watkins man use to come to all the farms and take orders for spices and other items. I don't know if my mom bought it or it was given to her from the salesman. It has a deep red spiral bound cover. If you have any Watkins cookbooks in your collection I'd like to see them.
Hi Sunshine! Thanks for sharing your "secret" dressing recipe! I'll bet it's good! Salad dressing is one of those things that is easy to make and so much better than most of what you can buy in the store. I do have a Watkins cookbook, but for some reason I recall it having a blue spiral cover. I'll have to look for it. Thanks!
Wonderful Collection Thank You For Sharing .
You're welcome, Raymond!
Hmmmmm.... Santa in red and white; Betty in red and white. Have we ever seen them in a room together at the same time? Food for thought! I love these cookbook reviews, Kevin. And it is (to me, anyway) interesting to see the change from "cook book" to "cookbook". It's like the BC "Cooky" book. Yes, I'm a hopeless geek for these details. Thank you for your channel. It is always such a relaxing treat to watch you!
I never thought of the Santa/Betty connection -- you may be onto something there!! Glad you enjoy the cookbook series - appreciate you watching!
Every Betty Crocker from 1930's to Present.
Thanks!
Hi Kevin, another great cookbook collection! Home economics was my favorite class when I was in school, (1970’s). I still use a few of the recipes, (knobby apple cake, rice pudding and red flannel hash), that I learned from my home economics teacher! They’re oldies but goodies! Have a lovely day and a great thanksgiving!
Thanks so much, skynyrdgirl! Home Ec was a great class. Wonderful you still make some recipes you learned in school!
Great video! My mother had the 1950’s version. The banana bread recipe, with buttermilk, is our favorite! Mom bought me the 1980’s version when we were getting married in 1981. I make the gingerbread people recipe every Christmas from that cookbook. Mom bought a sister in law and me the reprinted version of her cookbook. Love looking through that one and, of course, the banana bread recipe is in there. I have made many recipes from these cookbooks and the tips are very helpful. Thanks for sharing your collection!
Hi Mary Ellen! Thanks for sharing your BC Cookbook story! Sounds like the one your mom gave you has served you well!
The last updated portrait of Betty Crocker was released in 1996.
It was actually created by internationally known artist John Stuart Ingle, who happened to live across the street from my mom and dad in my hometown of Morris Minnesota.
The inspiration for his rendition was based on the 1986 portrait of Betty, plus a computerized image of 75 diverse woman who characterized the spirit of Betty Crocker. I think that may be the last portrait created of this iconic American character.
I think General Mills may have decided to stop using the image because of diversity reasons.
Betty Crocker wasn't necessarily a middle aged white woman.
Wonderful story. It's sad that they dropped Betty's portrait. She was an American icon. They seem to ruin everything, eventually. You can't buy great American brands anymore like Big Chief tablets, Aunt Jemima syrup, Uncle Ben's rice --and Land O Lakes is missing the beautiful Indian maiden. Tragedy.
Hi Greg! Thank you for sharing that story about the artist John Stuart Ingle and how he created the Betty Crocker image. So interesting! Wasn't/Isn't General Mills headquartered in Minnesota? Thanks!
@@cavalcadeoffood Yes it was! Right on the mighty Mississippi!
Good show 👍
Thanks, Charles!
Love your presentation on the Betty Crocker Cook Books! Of course I had to go get mine out. I have a 1978 version that has the new and revised graphics on the front cover (like the 80s version) but, the picture of Betty on the back is the same as the pie cover Betty from the 70s. No micro-wave recipes. I have used this cookbook so often over the years and still do. It shows by it's battle scars, but I wouldn't part with it for any money. I find it so sad that in today's world, people just look recipes up on their phones (along with everything else.) I doubt they would know who Betty Crocker was.
Hi Elizabeth - you have a wonderful edition of this cookbook. Sounds like it has been well used and loved! Thanks!
I have given away quite a few of my cookbooks because I'm trying to take a burden off the family when I take my spatula to the sky. But of the 70-80 remaining, I have 4 Betty Crockers and I wouldn't take for any of them. The oldest dates back to 1969 so it's battered but if I'm making rice pudding or pecan pie, it's my go to. Someone gave me a reproduction picture cookbook a number of years ago. I enjoy just reading them.
Hi Lynn - I can see why you have held on to your Betty Crocker cookbooks - they are wonderful! Those worn books are a sign of success! Thanks!
You ought to see the page from my 80's Betty Crocker book which has the banana bread recipe. It was one of the first recipes I followed to the "T" (what does that mean?). The page itself (from a binder style) is very well-worn!
Hi Marty - not sure of the origins of "to a tee" but I've heard it my whole life. I guess the page in your cookbook is an endorsement for the banana bread recipe!! Thanks!
That is very interesting! Please try "Betty Crocker's Spinach Squares" recipe. We have been making it since the 80's, just last weekend it was at a family birthday party!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
Hi Mary - those spinach squares sound wonderful! I will try them! Thanks!
@@cavalcadeoffood we like them cooked a little bit longer so the corners are crispy! Enjoy
Please do The American Woman's Cookbook. It has a varied and long history. It was the only cookbook my Mom ever had or needed.
I Martha - I believe I have a couple of copies of that book. I'll try to do a video on it in the future. Thanks!
I love Betty Crocker cookbooks! I have a small collection that started from my grandma's 1950 one. I also have the 2010 edition I received as a wedding gift.
They also made a bunch in the 50s/60s that were smaller that are so fun: for boys and girls, good and easy, cake and frostings, cooky book, etc. Just a delight! Do you have these too?
Thanks, keaghank! I have a few of those Betty Crocker auxiliary cookbooks - I'll try to do a video on those in the future. They were great cookbooks!
I happened to notice that my red & white Betty Crocker cookbook is a first edition, first printing.
I enjoy how they lay out a basic recipe and then add in variations of use below.
Ps- I got an A in home ec and metal shop as well. First girl to take two advanced years of metal shop- I can arc, mig, TIG, gas weld and make a pie! 😂
Hi ChoochooseU! How wonderful that you have a first edition! That's a very nice volume to have. Yes, they liked to give a basic recipe and then give you many variations. Weren't we lucky to have both home ec and shop! I've often said that I baked a cake in third period and changed the car's oil in fourth period! Thanks!
@@cavalcadeoffoodI actually USE my books so it’s almost sad to me bc I feel like I need to be more careful with my book 😂 I changed my photo to show the title page. I kept looking for the printing number but it’s not there because it’s a first. Btw, the binding on the first edition doesn’t have the decorative pattern on the front in white flowers, swirls and such- it simply is red with white Cursive “Betty Crocker’s print all caps PICTURE COOKBOOK”
So for those looking for that telltale design on the binding, it’s not on this first Ed.
I actually grew up on the pie crust front one.
Now you said your has black and white and illustrations within- does yours or anyone else’s have the first two pages while
Open after the title page a full color spread of all the Betty Crocker kitchens?
I have “Home of Betty Crocker Service” (looks like their office in full color) “Kamera Kitchen” is a picture of the set for taking photos, next is “Terrace Kitchen” “has every known home
Type of connivence and goes on to say general testing happens there, next is “Polka Dot Kitchen” says it’s the Gayest colorful of all with stainless steel counters and laundry unit for experimental work and appliances.
Next page is “Kitchen of Tomorrow” , “Tasting Bar” no actual photo, drawn and on plans? And lastly “Early American Dining Room” and a description of that along with full color photo of a place where women used to labor.
Just curious if anyone else’s has this and I wonder if title pages are different….. off to explore
Thx!
You're welcome!
I have that 96 one as well as an early 90s or late 80s
Hi Lisa - those are good editions. Thanks!
I have a 40th anniversary edition and a 75 or 76 reprint of the 69 edition.
Those are all great editions, TW!
Great collection. Do you have the Betty Crocker Cooky Book? First printed in early 1960s ? Great book and perfect for the holiday season. They reprinted in early 2000 and it’s fun to see graphics.
They also reprinted the first Good and Easy Cookbook from 1953 or 1954... I actually had my copy out yesterday, thumbing through it and looking for ideas. All of us would probably be in better shape if we adopted the "1950s Betty Crocker Diet." 😊
I got one at my bridal shower in 1976! I made quite a few of the recipes 🍪
Hi sashaz! Yes, I have the Betty Crocker Cooky Book - it's a terrific collection of recipes. I'll try to do a video on it in the future. Thanks!
Thanks, love your videos
Interesting fact of the 50s and 60s picture cookbook look at the Betty Crocker test kitchen photo in the book it the test kitchen design changed a 50s Turquoise blue kitchen to a white kitchen with red yellow blue tone accents. You forgot to mention Pillsbury and better homes and gardens had cookbooks
Hi RugbyFootballer - I always enjoyed looking at those photos of the test kitchens! I did video on the Better Homes & Gardens cookbooks a couple weeks ago. I'll do one on Pillsbury in the future. Thanks!
Thanks for explaining the history behind the Betty Crocker character and cookbooks! The only complaint I have is that you mispelled the video title.
Hi Mary! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for letting me know about the typo!
@@cavalcadeoffood you're welcome! I think I might subscribe and watch more of these. :)
I've used the Orange/Pie Front cookbook since forever! HA It's simple, easy, deliciousness in one place. I've still got these tons of cookbooks for you if you are interested. Sent you an email with my contact information, too. Love all you do. And love from Ohio!
Hi Valli! The orange pie front edition is one of the best!! Yes, I'm interested in looking at those cookbooks but I haven't seen your email - it's not coming through for some reason. Here's my address: cavalcadevintage@gmail.com - Sending love from Michigan!!
I have the 2000 Big Red Betty Crocker cookbook and there is no picture of Betty on it.😢
Hi Peggy - I think they have stopped using her image on things. Thanks!
I think home economics was over when I was in high school, it was broken up into a couple different classes. I took the cooking class, believe it was called "foods elective". Of all the fictitious cooking personalities I still prefer "Poppin Fresh" from Pillsbury.
Hi PLK - the Pillsbury dough boy is a famous one!! Thanks!
Do the good house keeping green binder with CIA recipes!
Hi Stacey - I'll try to cover Good Housekeeping in a future video. Thanks!
I collect Betty Crocker too. I think I have 'em all from 1950 to last year's 2022. I'm disappointed that they dropped Betty's portrait in the more recent editions. (Probably too sexist by today's standards??) The 2022 edition is terrific. They completely revamped it and overhauled it in a good way. It's oversized and hefty, but they've kept Betty's most prized vintage recipes. You can't fiddle with perfection. 😅
Hi russbear! Wonderful how you have collected all the editions! I'll have to check out the 2022 edition and see all the new updates. Thanks!
Sorry to be off topic but I was wondering if you have ever run across a copy of the Betty Furness Westinghouse cook book? I had it for decades until I lost it in a move.
Hi James - yes, I have that cookbook. I see them around often - it was a popular cookbook. Thanks!
I have the text and regular edition of the binder New Picture Cookbook and cannot find any difference...what exactly is different about them?
I wonder what Betty looks like in 2023???
Great question! I'll bet she hasn't aged a bit!
@cavalcadeoffood I bet she's hasn't!!! Her wonderful recipes are timeless too!!!!!!!