Abby+Mandel

Abby Mandel: The Martha Stewart of the Midwest

Most people remember Abby Mandel as the Cuisinart expert and spokesperson.  She wrote a food column for the Chicago Sun-Times titled “Turned on Kitchen” starting in the 1970’s.  Abby also wrote for Bon Appetit magazine with a monthly column called “Shortcuts with Style.”  I still have many of her excellent recipes torn out from the […]

Continue Reading
Kenny+Rogers

Kenny Rogers and Dole Pineapple

I hardly recognize Kenny Rogers now, but the cookbook photo shows how I remember him from about 20 years ago.  I was a fan of Kenny Rogers and The First Edition in high school, which is why I decided to enter a contest sponsored by Dole Pineapple.  Kenny was a spokesperson for Dole, and the contest […]

Continue Reading

Sunday’s Recipe: Cajun Blackening Seasoning Mix

This spicy seasoning mix is great rubbed on fish, chicken, steaks, ribs, or even sprinkled into scrambled eggs.  It is much less expensive than buying the gourmet type blackening seasoning, and will keep for a long time stored in the refrigerator or freezer.  It will make about a half cup of mix. Cajun Blackening Seasoning Mix […]

Continue Reading

Saturday’s Recipe: Decadent Hot Fudge Sauce

Oh, my goodness, this is so rich and good served over ice cream.  I love the addition of the malted milk powder.  This is for all you chocoholics!  Decadent Hot Fudge Sauce 2/3 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/4 cup malted milk powder3/4 cup heavy cream1/2 cup light corn syrup2 Tablespoons butter1 teaspoon vanilla  Combine […]

Continue Reading
Kristina+at+Silver+Palate1

The Silver Palate Cookbook

It is said that Julee Rosso and Shelia Lukins changed the way people cooked in the 80’s.  When the two women opened up their 165-square-foot shop on New York’s Upper West Side, few Americans could find raspberry vinegar, knew how to make tapenade from scratch, could find chevre at any grocery store, and didn’t know that cut-up vegetables […]

Continue Reading
Perla+Seasonal

Perla Meyers: The Seasonal Cook

Perla Meyers became an instant favorite of mine with this cookbook. I’ve been cooking from her books since the 1970’s.

Continue Reading
Creative+Cakes+Whiskey+cake1

Creative Cakes

Since today is my birthday, cakes are on my mind.  I have many cake cookbooks, but this is one of my favorites that I bought around the time I was married.  Creative Cakes by Stephanie Crookston was published in 1978.  In 1974, Stephanie opened a “cupcake-sized” shop in New York City.  Not long after opening, […]

Continue Reading
Fishermans+Grotto+dressing+recipe1

My First Cookbook

The first cookbook in my mass collection was not actually a cookbook, but a booklet.  It only measures 4-by-5-inches with 10 tiny pages, but as a 5th grader, I thought it was cool.  My dad was transferred to the San Francisco Bay Area, and I was very upset to leave our home in suburban Chicago where […]

Continue Reading