Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook Is the Top, For Me
Front page of my copy of Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook
In our home growing up, there were various cookbooks around. The one I used most was Betty Cocker’s Picture Cookbook (1950). It was like a go-to for me. We used it so much that the binding began to loosen. As a child of the “Latchkey Generation” or “Generation X”, we often came home from school and started dinner. Once Mom or Dad came home from work, they took over.
A few years ago, my mother gave me a reprint of this cookbook for Christmas; I was so excited! What I loved about this gift was the ringed binder and tabbed dividers. Other than that, it was the same cookbook with all the social and culinary tips for the 1950’s homemaker or her ‘maid’. I often wondered if the lady, Ms. Peck, who my mom worked for gave her this book or if my mother purchased it herself. Ms. Peck is another topic.
My sister Sheri and I would make cookies following recipes in this cookbook. I remember attempting to make eggnog from a recipe in this book, a big mistake.
For nostalgia's sake, I decided to make Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are my favorite. If I give you a batch of these cookies, you are special. I remember the brands my mom would use to bake, and I stick with those: Jif Peanut Butter, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, Clabber Girl Baking Power, etc. Growing up, we did not have butter in the house for everyday use. We used Blue Bonnet Margarine likely.
The last time I baked these cookies was for my first bible study class at Wesley UMC in Charleston. It was their Christmas gathering and everyone contributed some treat to share. I remember the feeling I had making these cookies; I had just been in town a few days. I was bridging a piece of me and my upbringing to my new home in Charleston, South Carolina. It grounded me in this major transition and reminded me that all will be well.
I bet many may say chocolate chip cookies are their favorite go-to cookies. I love them too; especially the break-apart chocolate chip cookies with pecans. But for me, these peanut butter cookies are the top!
Related Reading
