This is a copy of The Joy of Cooking that I bought for Kathy in 1973. 43 years later the pages are faded and yellow, and there are some large stains on some of the more frequently used pages. We got the book down so that Kathy could make a Sachertorte to take to Manhattan tomorrow for a friend's birthday. There is such a richness to having had this cookbook for so many years. My favorite story about this book is that at the end of the recipe for Indian Pudding, it says: "Serve pudding hot with hard sauce. It is barbarous New England custom to serve it with vanilla ice cream." Barbarous New England custom? That is how we have eaten indian pudding all my life!
I prefer the New England custom that our grandparents used. Hard sauce is too sweet. Now I am going to have to research Sachertorte as I have never heard of this. My 44 year old cook book is Better Homes.
ReplyDeleteJoa
I would think this book poses a future problem. It's a family heirloom. Can't imagine that both your daughters wouldn't want the go-to cookbook with all of the food stains and commentary. It's part of their family history, a treasure that holds so many memories. Ah, perhaps there's another kitchen treasure of equal sentimental value.
ReplyDeleteWell, presently they live five blocks from each other, so it would be easy for one of them to say: "Can I come over and look at Joy?" That would work.
ReplyDeleteI looked at my copy of "Joy of Cooking" which was given to me by Pam Soderberg for a Bridal Shower gift in 1972. The Sachertorte recipe is there; however, I have never made it. Sounds rich and delicious!! Will try baking some day...bsk
ReplyDelete"Indian Pudding" is politically incorrect. You must now refer to it as "Native American Pudding" The book must be burned.
ReplyDeleteDude: I am living in the past, so it is OK if I use the original name for our family dessert!
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