After Work Cook Book w. Sweet Potato-Turkey Pie, Cheese-Crumbed Cornish Hens, Meatball Hot Pot & more -- Vintage Cookbook TBT

Vintage Cookbook: After Work Cook Book

Publication Details: Better Homes and Gardens, 1974

The After Work Cook Book from the folks at Better Homes and Gardens was one of many 1970s cookbooks they published, this one filled with recipes that were supposed to save you time and effort while  still impressing. As with a fair percentage of 70s cookbooks, this one is very high on the camp value and, among lots of classic or interesting recipes, has some period entries of humorously dubious taste.

We even looked at one of these previously in our post: Frank-Kraut Dinner - Sure to Get Everyone Buzzing.

Today we take a more general look at the book with, admittedly, an emphasis on some of the more outlandish fare.

There is the fondue setting that looks like it is lifted from the set of Logan's Run, the Confetti Meatball Supper that kind of has to be seen to be believed and the Sweet Potato-Turkey Pie that actually sounds like it would taste better than it looks.

We have also departed from our usual habit of headlining with an image of the book's cover as the photograph of the Sweet-Sour Chicken Mold is really quite a sight. It was also stamped as one that would be an "Entertaining Special". Indeed.

(Click on images to enlarge)

 

Fondue Cook-In, 1968 w. Beef Fondue, Fondue Gruyere, Sangria & more -- Vintage Cookbook TBT

Vintage Cookbook: Fondue Cook-In

Publication Details: Potpourri Press, 1968

"The success of your party is insured at the moment you decide to cook fondue!". So opens this very cute and campy little cookbook that seeks to meet all your fondue needs.

Since the book was published in 1968 fondue as a party favourite theme has, too say the least, rather declined sadly. Occasionally there will be rumours of a fondue comeback, but they never really seem to go anywhere.

Still, fondue is great fun, can be quite delicious and sets are still available, so maybe this will prompt you to give it a try.

The book starts with a "how to" section and then quickly heads to the recipes and sauces all of which look good. The little extra of suggested libations helps as well.

When you do roll with a fondue night be sure to keep me in mind if I am in town.

(Click on scans to enlarge)

From Wisconsin with Love with a Beer-Cheese Soup and Fondue, the Hodag & the Packer "Crunch"! -- Vintage Cookbook TBT

Vintage Cookbook: From Wisconsin with Love by Laurie Gluesing and Debra Gluesing

Publication Details: New Boundary Designs, 1984

There are an entire category of cookbooks that are centred around specific geographic areas -- usually states or provinces, cities or towns, etc. The one we are looking at today is almost a love poem to the food and tales, some of them tall, of the State of Wisconsin.


I love this cookbook for many reasons. Its folksy illustrations, the fact that many of the recipes are prefaced with interesting anecdotes, and, of course, the fact that much of the cooking is centred around two of my favourite things, beer and cheese!

The food here is hearty fare, using usually readily available ingredients, and is, overall, really delicious. You find recipes like "Corned Beef with Horseradish Sauce" and "Wurst-Beer Salad". When the ingredients are a little more off-the-beaten track they cover things like "Venison Stew".

The book is divided into six sections and today we are sharing one recipe from each as well as the tale of the Hodag.

Also, as many of my regular readers may know, I am a big fan of the community owned NFL Green Bay Packers of Wisconsin. So, of course, I share a Packer related recipe as well -- the Packer Crunch!

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The Hodag in all its fiery glory!

In honour of the glorious Green Bay Packers -- 

The only major league community owned team in the United States!