In the four years since I started this blog, emails and messages from every part of the globe have come in on a weekly basis about a few blogs I wrote about the old Betty Crocker magazine called Sphere. It’s unbelievable how many people from everywhere remember this great food magazine. The most recent email I received was from a woman in Switzerland who wanted a cake recipe, “Apricot Upside Down Cake,” from an October 1978 issue for her upcoming party. Every Christmas, I get panicky emails from people who have lost their favorite Sphere Magazine cookie or dessert recipe. There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t hear from someone, somewhere. I have even been lucky enough for a few people to write me and say they found old Sphere’s in their attic, or in old boxes not opened for decades. These lovely people, instead of throwing them out, offered them to me. I now have accumulated every Sphere issue except for August, 1972. Eventually, Sphere changed its name to Sphere’s Cuisine in October 1978, and then to Cuisine in January 1979. After it changed to Cuisine, the old Sphere was gone, but definitely not forgotten.
With the popularity of Sphere in mind, I have decided to write a monthly Sphere blog, starting with this charter issue of February/March 1972. Not only are there wonderful recipes from many of your favorite food writers and authors, but the magazines are like a culinary history of the ’70’s. The magazine was way ahead of its time, using ingredients that we now take for granted, but were almost impossible to find in the ’70’s. The magazine also included original patterns for sewing clothes and craft items, monthly wine reviews, and helpful kitchen tips. The recipes are for everything you can imagine, from Iowa farm food to an African feast.
This charter issue tells us that the name of the magazine has a two-fold meaning: “Sphere,” because the magazine will reflect and hope to widen your world; “The Betty Crocker Magazine,” because it is an extension of the spirit of Betty Crocker, begun fifty years ago and a General Mills symbol of service to America’s homemakers.” They go on to say that although they salute other magazines devoted to women, they “intend to imitate none.” And they kept that promise.
Before the recipes and sewing articles begin, there is a page with the title “Looking Ahead.” Here is how it begins: “As women, we’re lucky to be alive right now. Amid the universal tumult, it’s more than ever a woman’s world, with twentieth century reality located somewhere between the swooning vapors of Victorian forebears and the militant fervor of women’s lib.” Does that sound 1972 or what? It goes on to say that women need to step up while “discovering and doing your own thing is more than a catch phrase of the now generation. It’s an open sesame to self-fulfillment. While we discard Shakespeare’s seven ages, we’ll go along with his comment on our destinies: the fault… is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” Yep, this is 1972.
In 1972, I was living in the San Francisco area, Larkspur in Marin County to be exact, at the time of Haight-Ashbury, peace marches, and all that encompasses. I had schoolmates from high school who had already served in Vietnam, some never to return. Janis Joplin herself even lived down the hill from us at one time. A few miles away in Sausalito, macrame and anything “earthy” was all the rage in crafts and artistry. This issue of Sphere had patterns to make some of the era’s artwork.
Macrame wall hangings, shadow boxes with things like seashells, and many works using yarn, all hand-dyed with natural colors, of course. In my college dorm of 1972, I can’t remember anyone who wasn’t making or at least buying something with macrame, usually belts and purses. Also in my dorm, the girls either had Paul Neuman/Robert Redford posters, or posters from the artist Peter Max. What I wouldn’t give to have my old Peter Max posters to frame now. Max used intense bursts of bright colors and psychedelic shapes with his counter-culture imagery. His look was copied by many, and even showed up in Sphere as a backdrop to recipes.
Despite the wild colors and psychedelic influences, Coco Chanel and high fashion was also still in vogue. Sphere offered their own exclusive pattern to make your own classic Chanel suit at a fraction of the cost of an original Chanel.
But now for the food, which was the main focus of the magazine. A column about cookbook recommendations appeared monthly, which in this issue include Dishes from Indonesia by Yohanni Johns; Meat, from the Lobel Brothers; and House and Garden’s Complete Guide to Creative Entertaining. The recipe articles include a “special dinner” with a roast loin of pork with almond-stuffed onions; a guide to making homemade meatballs and then using them for various recipes including an Italian dinner, Cantonese dinner, and a Swedish supper, all using a basic meatball recipe. There is a “picnic” idea held in the snow, scooping out the snow to make an indentation for a fire pit and picnicking outdoors.
There is a page of making rosettes, with all kinds of shapes and ideas for filling. My rosette iron, that I still have from a purchase at the old Cost Plus in Fisherman’s Wharf, has the same shapes. I need to find that; I haven’t made rosettes in years.
A special Mexican dinner party is next, complete with how to make giant paper flowers for decoration, and even the option to purchase a record of Mexican songs. The article states that “going ethnic is a big passion across the country. What is encouraging about ethnic cooking is that a blonde German living in Chicago, and married to a Norwegian, can produce a Mexican dinner party in her own home, and pull it off with stunning authenticity.” Really, it says that…
“Down East in Your Kitchen” describes step-by-step how to conquer a boiled lobster. The children’s page, which will be in each issue, features a young boy making “Slowpoke Cookies,” a cookie using a brownie mix to make turtle cookies. The instructions are even written in a child-like handwriting.
I decided to make the “Chile Con Queso” from the Mexican dinner party, mainly because it was the way it was made before Velveeta and Rotel tomatoes were microwaved for an instant dip. I’m sure there are many people who will prefer the easy microwaved method, but I thought it would be interesting to make the longer scratch method. It tastes similar, but definitely fresher tasting and not as orange!
Chile Con Queso
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup minced onion
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained (or 1 cup whole tomatoes and chopped to desired size if you like bigger chunks)
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper, to taste
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, cubed (do not use pre-shredded)
1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half
Corn chips, for dipping
1/2 cup minced onion
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained (or 1 cup whole tomatoes and chopped to desired size if you like bigger chunks)
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper, to taste
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, cubed (do not use pre-shredded)
1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half
Corn chips, for dipping
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add onion. Cook and stir over medium heat for about five minutes. Stir in chiles, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cheese and stir constantly until it is almost melted. Add 1/2 cup half-and-half and keep stirring until cheese is completely melted. Keep heat on low and simmer gently for 10 minutes, not allowing to boil and stirring very frequently to make sure mixture does not curdle, and adding an extra 1/4 cup if mixture seems too thick. Serve hot with corn chips. Makes about 3 cups.
Sphere became an instant success and was beloved to many during its short life span. Come back for the next issue, April/May 1972, at the beginning of April for some Spring recipes. And, of course, more blasts from the past.
I am looking for the issues that had some of the sewing pattern offerings including several stuffed animals, a fairy godmother and a crewel embellished dress–I can’t remember, however, if you had to send in for the patterns or if some were actually included and then had to be enlarged, etc.
Michelle, those items are in the November 1972 issue. The patterns were not included in the magazine and you had to send in for them. There was a lamb, a goose, and a Fairy Godmother. They were $1 each or all three for $2.50!
I must have lived under a rock during the time of Sphere as I have never seen or heard of this magazine. Looking forward to learning more with your posts.
Lisa, you would go crazy over this magazine. If I ever find extras, I will send them to you. There are so many famous cookbook authors and writers who contributed to the magazine when they were just starting out. Even though it is a “Betty Crocker” magazine, and some might think it is only convenient-type food, it’s not; in fact, it’s almost all from-scratch recipes. Many of the recipes were ground-breaking with ingredients that no one even heard of in the ’70’s. What always amazes me is when I hear from people from places as far away as Australia who are Americans now living abroad and still dream of the recipes they found in Sphere. The joy of blogging, right?
I started getting this magazine shortly after getting married. I found many recipes I enjoyed and several have been family staples ever since. I still have every copy I ever got, going back to the occasionally just for the memories.
Patricia, you are so lucky to still have every issue. They are such treasures, and I still use mine all the time. I can’t tell you how many people have written to me over the years wishing they still had their copies.
Wow, does this take me back to the 70’s. I remember my macramé belts and sewing some of my suits. I also remember wanting a kitchen with those big orange flowers and a lot of fondue parties, too.
Priscilla, did you save any of your macramé? I still have one belt!
Debbie, what a great idea for a series of blog posts! Will look forward to the next one!
Thanks, Nancy! Hope you will enjoy them.
Debbie
Love this series you are sharing with us! In 1972, I had no idea that this magazine existed! However, I did make a Chanel Suit which I loved – uh – let’s just say that fashion, clothing and textiles were my passions which continue today. Adding the culinary aspect to my life has opened up a treasure chest of wonderful friends and travels. Bon Appetit, Y’all always………:) 🙂 🙂
Mary Louise, you are the most beautiful and fashionable person I know! You would have loved the patterns that were available in Sphere. My mom made me several things from the magazine, one being a floor length apron!
Debbie – We are kindred spirits indeed! My mom made a beautiful “lady-like” (her words) bibb and ruffled white apron for me to wear in the US CHEFS OPEN held in Atlanta at the Galleria. The chefs who judged commented on my apron as well as my food and presentation. I won Grand Prize over 74 others who competed — I like to think that the apron was the crowning touch! 🙂
Thank you for your lovely comments…………
Kindred spirits indeed. Mine was also white, bibb and ruffled! I’ll find the photo of it in the magazine and forward it to you. What a grand win in that contest, too!
I was a teen in the 70’s, and I must say I never heard of this wonderful magazine. I enjoyed your blog, photos, and recipe very much. Can’t wait to read more…great job Debbie <3
Thanks, Isabel!
I am delighted to find this! We are in the process of moving and my husband tells me that we did move my Sphere/Cuisine magazines. No publication compares today.
I have been searching for a recipe and think it came from the Kids Cook page. It was for a refrigerator (freezer?) Strawberry Jam made with strawberry jello (gelatin). I think I even tried it with sugar-free jello and it worked. I have searched the internet and nothing compares.
I would love to participate in this blog. Has anyone ever scanned the index pages of their Sphere/Cuisine or a pdf file so we could easily locate the issue when someone is trying to find a recipe? I am no computer geek, but so my ideas are low-tech!
I saved a couple of recipes from the early days of Sphere. But I’m looking for a recipe for Tuna crepes. Probably from early 1973 issues. Thanks, riorita
Rita, I found your tuna crepes recipe! I’ll be sending you an email. Check your spam, too, just in case my email address is not recognized.
I so loved Sphere magazine! I made a sweater from it that was bulky yarn and mohair, that I think I absolutely wore out! Loved it! A group of 6 of us couples had an “Around the World” dinner once/month using the recipes from the magazine. Sphere always focused on a country and featured recipes, fashion, crafts, etc., from that place. We had a great time! I was really disappointed when Sphere changed: really missed all the other info other than just recipes.
I hear you, Barb! I never tire of looking through the magazines and always seems to find something that I missed. My mom loved the patterns, too, from the stuffed animals to knitting, and especially the clothes. The recipes were always my favorite and many of them were so ahead of their time. I loved how you had the “Around the World” dinners each month. Such a great idea.
Hi Debbie.
My mother-in-law saved every home makers guide ever published I think. When going through her storage unit of saved books and magazines, we found her copy of Sphere Magazine’s 1977 “Complete Guide to Herbs, Spices & Essential Oils” by the editors of Sphere Magazine. It is in great condition including an ordering form for The SPHERE Store where you could order recipes, articles about spices, or the actual spices, herbs, or essential oils need for the recipes in the book.
The small paperback book is filled with wonderful recipes and descriptions of herbs and spices and how to use them in cooking as well as household uses and where the herb or spice is derived from and the original known uses. In the essential oil section it tells you how to extract or make the oils.
A very interesting book, and one I treasure. Just wondering if you have this one as well.
Sharon Gibson
Hi Sharon- No, I don’t have that one! Lucky you! Anything from Sphere is a treasure. Thanks for letting me know about it; now I’ll keep my eyes open for it!
Hello Sphere magazine lovers. I’m hoping to find an amazing sugar cookie recipe from the November 1976 edition. It was a thin crispy cookie with a light dusting of colored sugar.
Deborah, check your email. I sent you the recipe!
Well, Ms. Debbie, have I got something to share with you and your readers. I just made some of this recipe today and make it every year when I get engulfed in zucchini from my garden or for that matter, cucumbers which also work well. I have made some modifications over the years which I will put in brackets for those who want to try the additions. This is from a recipe card I did back in the day, so unsure which exact Sphere issue it came from. It is soooo easy and delicious. But do let it set in refrigerator at least the 5 hours they recommended. Overnight is better.
Pickled Zucchini
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 Tablespoons finely chopped onions (we like Vidallia or sweet red when available)
1 clove of garlic crushed (we finely chop it, and consider this ingredient optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon celery seed
3 small zucchini squash, sliced
(other optional ingredients we have added: 2 teaspoons of finely chopped horseradish and/or ½ teaspoon dill seed)
Mix all ingredients except zucchini in quart jar and screw the top on tightly. Shake to mix. Add in zucchini. Put lid on and invert a few times. (doing this in a non-metallic bowl works well too, or two pints, mixing ingredients in a bowl and dividing up the liquid and zucchini). Refrigerate 5 hours. Must be refrigerated to keep. Keeps about 2 weeks.
As stated above, this also works with cucumbers or even yellow squash. I would say it is best to use these pickles in the first few days because the texture gets softer but in our house that usually isn’t a problem.
BoHoMomma, thank you for taking the time to share your recipe! I appreciate it so much and I’m sure others will, too. It sounds wonderful!
Looking for an online scanned-in version of the 1972 recipe in Sphere by Dave Jacobin entitled “Male Chauvinist Chili”. Not sure what month it was published in 1972, but let me tell you that recipe has been legendary in my family since the year it was published, up until the present time (2014). Would like to download a really nice color version of the original article. V/R, Steven J. Johnson, Dept. of the Navy, Washington, DC.
Steven, I will look for this recipe and get back to you! Thanks for writing.
I very fondly remember Sphere. I had clipped a number of recipes from my issues back in the day. One Christmas cookie (Lithuanian Grybai – mushrooms) ended up becoming a favorite of ours. Lots of spices, including cardamom (of which I’d never heard at the time), tasting somewhat like gingerbread, but shaped to look like mushrooms. The longer you let them sit, the better the flavor. And even when they hardened to almost tooth-breaking point, a couple of dips into milk or coffee and they were still fantastic. Yum!
I don’t know how much time you have on your hands, but have you considered possibly scanning each issue into a .pdf format and putting them online for us to download (maybe at a small price)? I’d LOVE to see those again! Sure wish I’d kept my copies!
Judi, I know that cookie recipe well! Not only have I made them, but I have had many requests for it. Do you still have the recipe? If not, I would be happy to send it to you; along with any other recipes you may remember. I have never thought of scanning each issue probably because it would take forever. I’ll have to ponder that one! I’m so happy that you wrote. I love hearing which recipes people remember and loved. Let me know if you need that cookie recipe!
Hi Debbie, I have misplaced an issue of Sphere that I need to refer to to recreate our first “Dinner Club”. We are celebrating 40 years of culinary get togethers and “Scottland” was our first. It was right out of the pages of Sphere. I’m pretty sure it was a 1974 issue-not sure of the month. Would anyone be able to send me copies of the article/recipes? I would be so grateful!
Linda, I will look this weekend and get back to you! I loved Sphere’s dinner parties. How fun that you had a dinner club.
I am searching desperately for the jalapeno cornbread recipe from a 1974 or 1975 November issue. It was a dinner created by Craig Clayborn and another famous chef. I have the recipe for the stuffing but not the cornbread. Help!
Hi Liz- I’ll take a look this weekend and get back to you!
Hi Debbie,
Love your blog! I had a huge holiday party in 1978! Wow, long time ago.
still have my menu, but not the Sphere magazine from which I got many of my recipes.
I am searching for a Rasberry Gateau recipe. It was wrapped with a sweetened almond paste. There was also a fantastic pumpkin cheesecake. If you have these recipes and will share, I’d be tickled pink!
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Hi Cherie! Thanks so much for writing. Do you think the recipes you are searching for are from a 1978 issue or could they be from an earlier year? If you have an idea of the year or maybe what was on the cover, it will make my search easier. I will be happy to try and find them for you!
I believe it was in a Sphere magazine that I found a recipe for what I remember being named “Raspberry Cream Torte with Pistachios”. Anyone have that recipe? I made it many times, loaned out my magazine, and it was not returned. It was so pretty. I believe it had raspberry preserves between the layers and chopped pistachios on top. HELP!
Monica, I have been looking for your recipe in my Sphere’s for a couple days now and haven’t found it yet. Do you remember approximately what year it might have been and maybe even what time of year? Maybe a holiday or seasonal recipe? Any kind of additional help might help my search. I’ll keep looking!
Monica,
I remember making a raspberry dessert. First, a small raspberry jelly roll was made and cut about 1/2 inch thick and about one inch in diameter. I lined a round copper bowl (sphere) with these “discs” and then put in two (?) fillings. Then I think it went in the oven. Cannot remember the type of filling. The picture was on the cover. Spectacular in looks and taste.
Could this have been it?
I cannot find my issue of Sphere with a recipe for ratatouille. Help!
Hi Trish! I found a couple ratatouille recipes; one in the July/August 1977 issue, and another in the June 1973 issue, plus there could be more I have missed. Do you have any idea what year your recipe was from, or maybe what was on the cover? Let me know!
I am looking for the Sphere magazine issue that featured wild rice & many wild rice recipes.
I have been searching online hoping to if the cover reveals anything about the contents.
Hi Pat- The issue you might be thinking of is the October 1974 that has a huge article filled with about a dozen wild rice recipes. I bet this is the one! Maybe you can find a copy online. The cover photo is a woman in a blue knit hat and sweater. Let me know if you think this is it!
I have been looking for a recipe for a peach pecan pie that I once found in Sphere Magazine back in the early 1970’s. This is the first website that I have found that even mentions the magazine. The period of time is 1972 thru 1977.
I would be greatly appreciative if I could get a copy of this recipe or at least led in the right direction to find a copy of the issue of Sphere that holds this recipe.
Thank you.
Hi Peter! I think I found your recipe. Check your email! Thanks for writing. I am often told that there is no one else out there who writes regularly about Sphere, and I believe there is no one else who is writing about about the magazine month-by-month with each issue. Sphere began publication in 1972 and I am currently up to the November 1973 issue. I have a way to go and am loving every minute of it, especially since I receive so many emails like yours. There are many, many Sphere enthusiasts out there and I love hearing from them, some as far away as Australia. I have every issue, so let me know if you think of any more recipes you remember and would like to have. Enjoy your pie!
Did you get the recipe? I can send it to you.
Hi Anne- Peter wrote his comment in 2015 and I sent him the recipe back then. Even though this post was written several years ago, I still get comments on this particular issue. How nice of you to respond to him! Thanks for your kind comment. Sphere people are always ready to help!
In 1976 Sphere celebrated the bicentennial with a colonial sugar cookie recipe and an offer for purchasing hand-made cookie cutters which included a colonial man and woman, a dove of peace, an eagle, a patriot riding a horse and a log cabin. It has been a Thanksgiving tradition ever since ~ almost 40 years! ~ to bake these cookies for the children. My sister-in-law and I are now onto baking for the 2nd generation and our children are passing on the sneaky games of stealing cookies that they enjoyed as children. We had no idea there was so much drama going on at the children’s table!
I love that issue with those beautiful cookie cutters. How wonderful for you to have the tradition of baking the sugar cookies into the next generation!
I remember a lovely luncheon menu with a cold roast beef salad with a horseradish-mayo dressing and a cold carrot soup that started with a bit of bacon and onion. I know it was spring or summer in the early 70s – one of my children “helped” me clean one day and threw out some of my recipes – I miss them. I love having a good summer soup on hand and haven’t been able to find anything close to what I remember.
Corinne, I will try to find those recipes for you and will email you if I find them! Thanks for writing. It never ceases to amaze me how many recipes people remember from this long-ago magazine. That shows how special they are!
Thanks so much, Debbie! How nice to know they may still exist!
I have the charter issue Feb/march 1972. Anyone interested in it?
I have a question, what was the name of the magazine before it was Sphere?
Sphere was the first name of the magazine; actually the full title was Sphere, The Betty Crocker Magazine. It continued to be Sphere, but changed the subtitle of “The Betty Crocker Magazine” to various names such as “The Magazine of the Discerning Woman,” “The Magazine of Fine Food and Creative Living,” and “The World of Fine Food and Creative Living.” There are probably more, but that’s all I am remembering at the moment. I don’t know why they kept changing the subtitle, but it always kept the title SPHERE. Sphere itself ended in 1979 when it was permanently changed (maybe bought out?) to Cuisine magazine. The Sphere’s that I write about in my monthly blogs are the original magazines from 1972 to 1979. At the moment I am in 1975. I still after seven years of writing my blog, receive more emails, questions, recipes requests, you name it, from people who remember the original Sphere. Not a week or so goes by that someone doesn’t write with some request about a Sphere. It obviously made a huge impression on many people!
Hello,
Just thought I’d clarify the chronology. The decision to change the name was done entirely by the original publisher and editors who continued to put the magazine out. In 1978 it became Sphere’s Cuisine and, as you mentioned before, transitioned to Cuisine in early 1979. It had the original staff until Time (Warner?) bought it, moved the operations to New York and, in typical corporate fashion, ran it to the ground in no time. It was such an endearing publication because if it’s Midwestern sensibility. I”m pretty sure it would have had a much longer life had it been left alone.
I would not discount the Cuisine issues that were printed prior to the purchase and relocation. Some amazing recipes and articles on gracious living can be found inside those pages, commissioned by the same talented people who started it all in 1972. I was lucky enough to work there briefly with the greatest group of women until I moved away.
Marya, I have been hoping for years to hear from someone who worked on the Sphere staff. Thank you for this. How I wish we could sit down over coffee and talk about life at Sphere! I have always wondered what happened after Sphere was bought and the name changed. When it became Cuisine, I always thought it had the same “feel” as Sphere for a time and with such great recipes. I have many of the Cuisines and hope to have the entire collection someday. As I have said many times about Sphere, it was a one-of-a-kind magazine. There was nothing else like it, and still to this day, no one can match it. I know this is true for many people, as rarely a week goes by that I don’t hear from someone asking for a recipe, and even for a craft or pattern. Again, thank you for writing. This was a thrill!
Minor correction: As I mentioned in my initial post, the name change was implemented before the sale. Everyone who worked for Sphere was still involved with the publication as it transitioned to Sphere’s Cuisine and later to Cuisine. Aside from the name, it was status quo for many months after. There was no interruption, or infusion of new staff and the format remained the same with the exception of being more food centric. I have a bundle of the newer issues in storage so can’t recall when the sale and move took place. When I find them, I’ll post.
Looking forward to it, Marya!
do you have a recipe for a coffee cake with a strussle topping. Rolled out with meringue, nuts, raspberry jam, two layers baked in a bundt pan? It was so wonderful, and I just can’t find it. I have most issues of Sphere if you’re interesting in having any of them.
Rae
Hi Rae- Offhand I don’t recall a coffee cake recipe as you describe, but I will certainly search. It sounds delicious. Thank you, I am always interested in the Sphere issues. Please tell me more.
On a chance idea today, I was looking online at the building at 625 N. Michigan Ave. where the original Sphere office and test kitchens were located, and that led me on a search for some vintage issues of Sphere, especially the May,1974, issue that I believe some of the staff, including me, were models for the artist party article.
I worked at Sphere from 1973 until they moved it to California around 1980. Was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had with the best staff ever! I’ve often wondered where they are today, especially my good copy editor buddy!
Patricia, to hear from someone who worked at my favorite magazine of all time just made my day. I had no idea that Sphere offices were located on Michigan Avenue much less with test kitchens! I am looking at the May 1974 issue right now with the Artist Party. Which one is you? Do you still live in the Chicago area? I live in Libertyville.
I loved Sphere from the first issue in 1972 and still have every single copy. I started my blog twelve years ago and one of the earliest blogs was about the September 1972 issue and the famous wedding cake. I have received endless requests for the cake since that blog, the latest being last week. My Sphere blogs have had readers write and ask for recipes more than any other blog written. People have not forgotten about Sphere. I have had emails from people who loved a recipe so much and lost it over the years, and have told me they cried when they found out I would send them a copy. Sphere’s impact continues to live on. I could write a book on all the stories people have told me about Sphere recipes and how they are still family favorites.
I could ask you a million questions about working there. How lucky you are to have had that experience. I can’t thank you enough for writing.
I think it was anew publication and not s reincarnation of another magazine.
Correct, Merrilyn!
Hi Patricia, I think the original magazine was “Sphere” and then it became “Cuisine”. One of my issues says “Sphere’s Cuisine”. Linda
Yes, this is correct. It was called Sphere’s Cuisine near the end before it became just Cuisine and then Sphere was gone forever. Sob…
I had my Sphere magazine collection bound into books. Had no idea what a treasure it would become
You definitely have a treasure, Susan!
Great idea!!
Hi I am doing an art project on Betty Crocker and wanted to draw the Chanel pattern from feb 1972. Do you know if it came in a separate pattern packet or was it just pieces pulled from the magazine?
Hi Kathy- I just checked the issue and the Chanel pattern is not in the magazine. There is a form to fill out for $1.25 to send for the pattern. What a fun project you are working on! Good luck and thanks for writing.
Thank you so much! I have lost a recipe that I lived & I had asked my daughter if I had shared it with her. Then I remembered the name of the magazine and – there you were!
That’s great, Christine. I have every issue of Sphere if you ever want another recipe!
Hi Debbie … My grandmother passed away in May 2018, at the age of 92. She had saved many magazines over the years, and in the process of sorting thru her Sunset, and Better Homes and Gardens magazines, I came across several editions of Sphere. I’m so delighted to have found your blog, and having read through the entire Sphere portion, I am now excited to peruse through these apparent treasures before I let them go! Thanks so much!
Hi Mary- My condolences on the loss of your grandmother. My mother who passed away last fall at age 97, enjoyed the same magazines as your grandmother. There was something about those Sphere magazines that people wanted to keep. How nice you are able to enjoy them as your grandmother did. I love writing about them. I am up to 1977 issues with a few 1976’s that I missed when my mother passed, but I will get to them. I’m glad you enjoyed the Sphere blogs – thank you!
Looking for the April 1978 issue Volume 7 Number 3. This Special Issue: GREECE
Hi Vicki- Probably your best bet to find the Sphere issue you are looking for is to find it on eBay, or possibly someone reading this who has an extra issue. Good luck! Every issue is a gem.
I have the entire collection ….what do I do with them??? We are downsizing and the packrat in me has died…would like the entire lot to go to someone who would appreciate them…
Kathy, I sent you an email. You are so kind to write.
I received Sphere while living in Eastern Kentucky in the mid to late 70s. Appalachia could be a difficult place to live in the winters and I always looked forward to Sphere and then Cuisine. I had a recipe for cinnamon yogurt spirals from an issue on middle eastern food. I must have lost it in one of my many moves and wonder if you can provide it? It had an accompanying pictorial on folding which I still remember. My children loved these and I would love to make them for my grandchildren. Thanks
Hi Vicki- Thank you for your Sphere story! I am more than happy to find the recipe for you. Check your email soon. I love how you will be passing the recipe onto your grandchildren too. Sphere recipes are so special!
My favorite Sphere recipe is the Sour Cream Coffee Cake from the July-August 1976 issue. I just went into my file to print it out for a friend and wondered if anyone else remembered the magazine. How fun to find that so many others loved it as much as I did! My copies are long gone, but I wish I could look through them again.
Hi Mary Ann- I am going to find the coffee cake recipe! Thanks for mentioning it. If you have any other Sphere recipes you remember, let me know and I would be happy to look them up for you. I can assure you that people still remember and love the magazine, as I have heard from many of them since writing that first Sphere blog in 2010. I treasure my collection and love sharing the recipes and writing about every issue.
A fan , I have years ‘73, ‘74,’75, ‘76,’77, and ‘78. Bound in red “ faux leather “ by a Handicapped organization in. S. Malaysia, while we lived in Singapore for 7 years. Still a pleasure to refer to for great dinners for entertaining!!!and Especially the retro decorating and styles,,,, yes I am an antique also!!!
Susan, what a pleasure to read your Sphere story, and that you still refer to the recipes. Your leather folder sounds like a real treasure. You could have written an article for Sphere yourself after living in Singapore for seven years. I bet you have some great recipes from your time there. Thank you so much for writing.